Woodhull Celebrates Banned Books Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — October 3, 2023 — Washington, DC

In celebration of Banned Books Week, the Woodhull Freedom Foundation is proud to announce an exciting collaboration with NYC Book Hoes to bring together a panel of distinguished guest speakers for an exciting, relevant conversation about intellectual freedom, freedom of expression, and the enduring relevance of literature that has been challenged or banned.

The esteemed guest speakers who will be joining Woodhull COO & Moderator Mandy Salley:

• Leigh Hurwitz from the Brooklyn Public Library is a passionate advocate for free access to information and a champion of intellectual freedom.
• Christine Emeran, Youth Free Expression Program Director at the National Coalition Against Censorship, is a leading voice in defending artistic and intellectual freedom.
• Madison Markham from PEN America is dedicated to celebrating and protecting the freedom to write and read.

Woodhull COO Mandy Salley says, “In a year where we’ve seen book bans increase by over 30% and our human right to free expression violated in state houses all over the country, I’m proud to be partnering with the NYC Book Hoes on this important awareness-raising event in honor of Banned Books Week.”

Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite.

Location: Greenpoint 66 Bar, 66 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Panel Discussion: Celebrating Banned Books Week: A Conversation on Intellectual Freedom
Date: Friday, October 6th
Time: 7 – 9:30 pm
Cost: $15

Panel Discussion Highlights:

• Explore the history and significance of Banned Books Week and the ongoing challenges to intellectual freedom.
• Hear from experts in the field of literature, libraries, and free expression about the importance of defending the right to read and write freely.
• Discuss real-world examples of books that have been challenged or banned and their implications for society.
• Examine the role of literature in fostering empathy, understanding, and social change.
• Engage in a lively conversation about the intersection of literature, censorship, and the power of storytelling.

Banned Books Week serves as a reminder of the essential role that books and literature play in our society, challenging us to confront censorship issues and advocating for the free exchange of ideas.

Join us for this inspiring panel discussion and celebration of intellectual freedom during Banned Books Week.

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ABOUT WOODHULL FREEDOM FOUNDATION

Established in February 2003, The Woodhull Freedom Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization devoted to education and public advocacy supporting sexual freedom as a fundamental human right. Our work builds on the affirmations of individual rights contained in the United States Constitution, including the Bill of Rights and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

ABOUT BANNED BOOKS WEEK

Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. Typically (but not always) held during the last week of September, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas. Banned Books Week will be held October 1 – 7, 2023. The theme of this year’s event is “Let Freedom Read!”

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