Former Neo-Nazi Discusses Breaking Down Hate At Oak Lawn Library

What is compassion? Can it be taught? Can it be learned?

The Oak Lawn Public Library is hosting a series of programs to explore the subject of compassion.

Author and Filmmaker Christian Picciolini kicks off the series with “Breaking Down Hate: How a Former Extremist Now Promotes Peace.” The program is Saturday, Nov. 10, 2-3:30 p.m., in the Lower Level Meeting Rooms at the library, located at 9427 S. Raymond Ave. Registration is not required; the program is free and open to the public.

Picciolini has spoken all over the world about building greater peace through compassion and empathy. He recently appeared on programs such as “60 Minutes,” “CNN,” “Fresh Air” and Sarah Silverman; he was also a guest speaker on TedX.

A Blue Island, Ill., native and author of “White American Youth: My Descent into America’s Most Violent Hate Movement – and How I Got Out,” Picciolini will talk about his life and his book. He will be available after the program to answer questions and sign copies of his book.

For those who would like to read his book prior to the program, copies of the book are available for checkout. Patrons can stop by the Adult Services Desk on the 2nd floor to reserve a copy or visit catalog.olpl.org.

“Picciolini’s story will leave you with many thoughts and questions, as well as an admiration for the human heart’s ability to change its course,” said Mary Williams, department head of Adult and Young Adult Services. “This program will benefit adults, parents, teens, social workers, teachers, and anyone who wants to learn more to be empathic and compassionate to others.”

As a child, Picciolini, spent a lot of time alone while his Italian immigrant parents worked to create a better life for him. He was bullied and marginalized, and he desired to fit in somewhere. At age 14, he began associating with a violent white supremacist group, also considered to be America’s first Neo-Nazi skinhead gang. He eventually became one of its leaders and his acts of hate became more serious and violent. He spent eight years as a neo-Nazi, but began to question his life after getting married and becoming a father. These questions deepened when he locked eyes with a victim of one of his hate crimes. He felt surprising empathy. After leaving the violent hate movement he helped create, he dedicated his life to “dismantle the hate he helped build.” He co-founded the organization, “Life After Hate,” and now leads the group, the “Free Radicals Project,” which helps people disengage from hate movements and violent ideologies.

For more information about the program or the Oak Lawn Public Library, visit www.olpl.org or call 708-422-4990. For more information about Picciolni, visit www.christianpicciolini.com.

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