This blog post is by Miranda Jayne Boyd with People for the American Way, a Unite Against Book Bans partner.
Grandparents For Truth, the grassroots organization bringing together grandparents and their allies to combat censorship and book bans, took to the streets in 2023 to counter far-right organizations’ attacks on education. This year, we’re planning an event to put the focus back where it belongs: on kids, families, and the freedom to read and learn.
“Last year, we were the champions/conveners of the rally, and this year, people are looking to us to continue the tradition and bring people together for another amazing event,” said People For the American Way and Grandparents For Truth National Field Director Alana Byrd.
We’re hosting a “Celebration of Reading” at the MLK Library in Washington, DC on August 31 to lift up the joy of reading and push back against the forces that want to ban books and silence our communities. This event is open to the public, and people of all ages who support our children’s freedom to learn are encouraged to attend.
Grandparents For Truth is working with the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Unite Against Book Bans, Defense of Democracy, Red Wine & Blue, Moms Rising, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Parents Union, PFLAG, African American Policy Forum, and the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), to organize this bold and exciting event that will include live book readings, performances from local groups, activities for children, and much more.
Public events like this are especially important when far-right organizations continue to push for strict censorship of educational materials, often targeting books written by or about people of color and the LGBTQ community. Though their views represent a minority opinion, these groups have gained traction by appealing to extremists who spread their hate online and even take it directly to schools, libraries, and school boards.
Since its launch, Grandparents For Truth has fought to keep those oppressive views away from schools and to ensure students are able to freely enjoy honest educational materials that highlight the diversity in our communities – not try to bury it. Today, we have dedicated members nationwide ready to mobilize in defense of education.
And, we’re always on the lookout for more grandparents (or just those of us who are grandparents at heart) to join us. Please visit GrandparentsForTruth.org to find more information about our upcoming rally, sign up to become a member, and learn more about joining or starting a Grandparents For Truth club in your community.
