With book bans taking place at unprecedented levels — particularly those that target race, identity, and other critical social issues — the stakes for protecting intellectual freedom have never been higher. In response to this alarming challenge, The Emancipator, in partnership with PEN America and Banned Books Week, hosted a free, virtual event that brought together activists and educators from the frontlines of these efforts to share strategies and insights on how to fight back.
Moderated by The Emancipator’s Editor-in-Chief Jamil Smith, “How to Fight Book Bans” took place on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 5-6 p.m. ET. This conversation was especially timely as voters across the country prepared to make decisions that will shape education policy and intellectual freedom for years to come.
Panelists explored the connections between book banning, racism, and the deliberate suppression of diverse perspectives. The conversation covered real-world strategies and solutions that can be replicated in communities nationwide to help push back against bans.
The event featured:
- Keynote Speaker: Bestselling author and historian Ibram X. Kendi opened the event with reflections on the importance of literary freedom. Kendi’s own works have faced repeated attacks, and he offered insights into how the issue of book bans is intertwined with larger social and political forces shaping the country.
- Panel Discussion: Activists and educators on the front lines of the fight against censorship, including:
- Julia Garnett: College student and Banned Books Week Honorary Youth Chair
- Claire Bennett: Parent advocate and advisor to the Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization (DAYLO)
- Becky Calzada: Librarian and co-founder of FReadom Fighters, a group dedicated to ensuring access to diverse books
- Patricia Jackson: Educator and co-advisor of the Panther Anti-Racist Union
You can view the entire conversation below.
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