Across the country, local school districts and libraries are banning children’s books that critics claim contain subjects too controversial and offensive to teach in the classroom, including LGBTQ+ relationships, the Holocaust and critical race theory.
However, many people feel the opposite, claiming that children’s books use characters and creative storytelling to educate young readers and help them develop and understand their identities.
These controversial book-ban campaigns largely target authors of color.
This week on Basic Black, we talk to children’s book authors of color to learn more about their published works, their inspiration for their characters and storytelling, and how creators are navigating the modern publishing industry.
Host Callie Crossley will be joined by guest panelists: Jabari Asim, author and professor at Emerson College; Mia Wenjen, author and co-founder of Multicultural Children's Book Day; Denise Adusei, co-founding member of Black Creators HQ and Latinx Pitch; and Dr. Rajani LaRocca, physician and Newbery Award–winning author of "Red, White, and Whole."
Watch the latest Basic Black tonight at 7:30pm on GBH 2, or live right here on our website below. You can also watch on the GBH News YouTube channel. Subscribe to get notifications of future premiere episodes.
