In facing the rising threats to the freedoms to read and imagine, PEN America convenes a dialogue with beloved writers on the recent and dramatic rise in the efforts to censor and silence Black and LGBTQ+ perspectives. New York Times bestselling author Casey McQuiston and independent publisher and children’s author Cheryl Willis Hudson will be in conversation with PEN America’s Jonathan Friedman, Director, Free Expression and Education Programs. This event takes place on the first day of Banned Books Week, October 1st-7th, an annual event that celebrates open access to books in our schools, libraries, and communities.
With book banning at an all-time high, it’s important for people of faith and those who care about the future of all American children to resist these efforts. Celebrate and lift up the books and stories that reflect and change people’s lives! Come to the 2-day banned books festival organized by Unitarian Universalist faith communities and many more partners working to end book banning and authoritarian efforts to erase the history and experiences of LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous and other People of Color. The festival will offer opportunities to build community, learn about the good work people are doing for equity and inclusion, uplift stories and have family fun. Sponsored by the UU Potomac Partnership — Cedar Lane UU, UU Fairfax, and River Road UU — along with many other partners. Details at https://uucf.org/unstoppable. Donate to the festival’s Faithify campaign to support speaker stipends, food and other expenses.
Saturday, September 30, 10:00 a.m. – 4::00 p.m., River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6301 River Road, Bethesda, MD
Sunday, Oct. 1, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA.
