“Liberated Voices”: Campaign: A Powerful Stand Against Book Banning with Zetta Elliott

Elliott, a poet, playwright, and author, is no stranger to challenges in the literary world. As a Black writer whose works center the experiences of children of color, her books—such as Milo’s Museum, Say Her Name, and A Place Inside of Me—have often been the targets of book bans. The author shared her personal journey, offering ITAV LA students a compelling look at how societal gatekeepers have historically excluded diverse voices from mainstream publishing.

Book Banning and the Struggle for Representation

In a heartfelt discussion, Elliott explained the uphill battle authors like her face to publish stories that reflect the lives and cultures of marginalized communities. “I’ve worked for 30 years with kids of color who live in big cities,” she said. “But publishers told me there was no market for books like mine.”

Elliott’s breakthrough moment came in 2008 with her award-winning picture book, Bird. Despite initial rejections, the book gained recognition for its poignant storytelling about a boy coping with his brother’s addiction. “It’s a picture book, but not just for little kids,” Elliott explained, highlighting how her work often tackles serious, relatable issues.

She also spoke about the gatekeeping in the publishing industry, where editors—often unfamiliar with diverse cultures—determine which stories get published. As a result, Elliott turned to self-publishing, creating her imprint, Rosetta Press, which focuses on books that center children of color and their multifaceted experiences.

When Students Fight Back: Overturning Book Bans

Elliott shared stories about her books being banned across the country, often due to their anti-racist themes. For example, her book Milo’s Museum—inspired by a friend who turned her home into a museum for Black women’s art—was banned in Pennsylvania when a school board prohibited an entire list of inclusive books for classroom libraries.

“Students led the fight to overturn that ban,” Elliott proudly recounted. “They challenged the board for not even following their own procedures, and they won.”

Another book, A Place Inside of Me, was targeted by an elected official in Virginia who labeled it “garbage” for depicting a boy’s anger after a girl in his community is killed by police. “That anger was the only emotion he focused on, even though the book shows a full range of feelings,” Elliott noted.

The Power of Stories: A New Chapter

ITAV’s Liberated Voices campaign aims to create social justice libraries that will serve as safe, inclusive spaces where children can access diverse literature that reflects their identities and inspires critical thinking.

“Book banning is a harmful and exclusionary practice,” said ITAV’s Interim Development Associate, Makinde Adedapo. “We’re committed to ensuring our students have access to books that nurture creativity and foster an accurate understanding of history.”

To support the campaign, Barnes & Noble customers can donate at the Oakbrook Center store through December 16, 2024. Every dollar contributes to the fight against censorship and the push for equitable education.

A Lasting Impact

Zetta Elliott left students with a powerful message: “When they say there’s no market for books like ours, they’re wrong. Over 600,000 people have bought my books. Stories matter. Your voices matter. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

Through the Liberated Voices campaign, ITAV is not only challenging the harmful practice of book banning but also empowering the next generation to write their own narratives.

Fighting Book Bans: How to Support Inclusive Stories and Foster Inquiry

“When you look at the books that are being banned, almost all of them focus on people of color and queer folk. The books about people of color that get banned the most are the ones that talk about police violence. There’s a very specific narrative some parents don’t want children to learn—not because it makes them think Black people are inferior, but because it might make them question the people who are supposed to protect and serve us,” she said.

Take Action

Book bans are more than a restriction on what students can read—they are an attack on intellectual freedom and representation. Whether by supporting organizations like PEN America, contributing to ITAV’s Social Justice Library, or starting your own conversations online, you can help keep these vital stories in the hands of readers.

Together, we can ensure that all children have access to the stories that inspire them to dream, create, and lead.

Here’s how you can join the fight for intellectual freedom and support books that inspire inquiry.

1. Read Banned Books and Spark Conversation

How To Amplify Awareness:

Diving Into the Stories: Get a list of banned books and read them—these are often the most thought-provoking stories.

Sharing Your Insights: Start a blog, vlog, or use TikTok’s #BookTok to discuss banned books.

Utilize Library Resources: Access banned books via libraries like the Brooklyn Public Library, which offers free access to students nationwide.

2. Support Schools and Communities in Need

Send Books to Students: Donate banned books to students in restricted districts like Indiana.

Support Organizations: Contribute to groups like PEN America and the American Library Association (ALA) raising funds to combat censorship.

3. Build Inclusive Libraries

Fund Social Justice Libraries: Support initiatives like ITAV’s $100,000 campaign to provide students access to diverse and inclusive stories.

4. Advocate for Inquiry in Education

Foster Open Discussions: Promote diverse and thought-provoking content in classrooms.

Encourage Curiosity: Create spaces for students to explore provocative topics that inspire questions and inquiry.

💬 Start a conversation today. Share, donate, or advocate for freedom in education.