Pop superstar Pink is making a bold statement on her Trustfall Tour in Florida this week by distributing 2,000 free copies of books subjected to bans as a protest against the rising tide of censorship sweeping the United States.
Pink has partnered with literary nonprofit PEN America and Florida bookseller Books & Books for this initiative, as per USA Today.
Pink's Pledge to Protect Freedom to Read
During an Instagram live session with PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel and author Amanda Gorman, Pink announced her collaboration and expressed her commitment to supporting the freedom to read.
"Books have held a special joy for me since I was a child, and that's why I am unwilling to stand by and watch while schools ban books," Pink stated.
These banned books will be distributed at Pink's concerts in Miami and Sunrise, Florida. The four selected books for the giveaway are "Beloved" by Toni Morrison, "The Family Book" by Todd Parr, a book from the "Girls Who Code" series founded by Reshma Saujani, and "The Hill We Climb" by Amanda Gorman, which was recited at President Joe Biden's inauguration.
Kasey Meehan, the director of PEN America's Freedom to Read Program, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing that every child deserves access to literature that reflects their lives.
Florida has witnessed a disturbing trend of book bans, accounting for over 40% of all documented bans nationwide.
Newly released data from PEN America reveals a 33% increase in book bans, with a significant impact on books by Black and queer authors, as well as those discussing race, racism, and LGBTQ identities.
Pink's involvement in the fight against book banning highlights her commitment to preserving free speech and equal access to diverse literature. Her initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of allowing children to explore various perspectives and ideas through reading.
Florida, under the leadership of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, has become a focal point for challenges to free speech, according to The Guardian.
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Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' Law and Toni Morrison Book Bans
The controversial "Parental Rights in Education Act," commonly known as the "Don't Say Gay" law, has prohibited elementary schools from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity. This legislation has sparked considerable controversy and opposition.
Toni Morrison's "Beloved," a powerful exploration of the experiences of a formerly enslaved family, has been removed from libraries and classrooms in numerous Florida school districts. Five of Morrison's books have been banned in 30 Florida districts.
Amanda Gorman's celebrated poem, "The Hill We Climb," written in response to the 2020 presidential election, has also faced censorship. A single complaint from a parent led to the banning the poem in an elementary school in Miami-Dade County.
The parent, who misidentified Gorman as Oprah Winfrey, was later revealed to be associated with "Moms for Liberty," an activist group advocating for the removal of books addressing sex education, LGBTQ+ rights, and racism from schools.
In a time when book bans are on the rise, and diverse voices are under threat, Pink's initiative sends a powerful message about the importance of free expression and the value of literature in shaping young minds.
By distributing these banned books, she hopes to inspire others to join the fight against censorship and ensure that children can explore a wide range of ideas and perspectives through reading, ABC 7 News reported.
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