This Philadelphia Nonprofit Is Bringing Attention To Banned Books By Black Authors With Little Free(dom) Library
The nonprofit Visit Philadelphia, “the region’s official leisure tourism marketing agency,” has joined forces with Little Free Library to bring locals and tourists to the Little Free(dom) Library to celebrate Black History Month.
According to Penn America, Black authors have been at a disadvantage when it comes to reaching a wide range of readers since over 30 states have removed certain books penned by Black authors. To help keep Black history and storytellers alive, the Little Free(dom) Library has made these forbidden books available in 13 locations throughout Philadelphia until Feb. 28. In addition, 1,500 free books will be given away at one of the pop-up book stands.
“Philadelphia strives to be a welcoming destination where every person can feel a sense of belonging,” Angela Val, Visit Philadephia’s president and CEO, said in a press release.
Val also shared that the collaborative project was important because Black stories and legacies should be honored as they’re an integral part of North America.
“We want travelers and residents to know that in Philadelphia, Black history is American history, and Black stories are worth telling and sharing,” she said.
A portion of the Little Free(dom) Library will house a video series that includes natives from the city like Marc Lamont Hill, Dr. Christina Afia Harris and Joyce Abbot, the inspiration behind Emmy-award-winning writer and actress Quinta Brunson’s hit TV show Abbott Elementary.
“With over 30 years of experience as an educator in the Philadelphia public school system, ensuring students have access to Black history and stories holds great significance for me. I hope individuals will find inspiration in the books they discover and deepen their understanding of the contributions of Black people in this country,” Abbott said, Black Enterprise reported.
The program will supply 12 titles for the general public to choose from:
The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
All of the books available that are up for grabs were purchased from local Black-owned libraries like Hakim’s Bookstore, Harriet’s Bookshop, Uncle Bobby’s Coffee & Books and The Black Reserve Bookstore to support Black small business owners. Check out the Little Free(dom) Library pop-up stand locations below:
Betsy Ross House
Columbia North YMCA
Eastern State Penitentiary
Faheem’s Hands of Precision
Frankford Community Development Corporation
Franklin Square
Historic Germantown
Independence Visitor Center
Johnson House Historic Site
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church
Philadelphia Museum of Art
South Stree Off Center