Let’s Read Strong America

I recently heard someone say that we can support ourselves better than the police can support us. For that to hold true, we have to be in community, the place where we provide care and share stories that build empathy. Kwame Alexander’s Read Strong America has put together a couple of opportunities for us to commune during the Juneteenth celebrations this week.

June 19th – Juneteenth Watch Party
Invite family and friends to watch the FREADOM Rally and Town Hall that took place in Washington, DC on May 31, 2025. Celebrate the freedom to read and learn, as we lift our voices in action to support Dr. Carla Hayden and our country’s librarians, and defend our access to all books, learning, and expression. Featuring speakers Jason Reynolds, Amanda Jackson, Med Medina, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Traci D. Hall, Lisa Varga and others.

June 21st – Author Read-In
A virtual read aloud event, sponsored by the Black Caucus of the American Librarain Association (BCALA) from 12-2:00 pm EST featuring acclaimed authors (Amina Luqman-Dawson, Jerry Craft, Kelly Starling Lyons, Derrick Barnes, and more) reading from their favorite beloved and banned books.

Links to watch or register can be found here http://readstrongamerica.org./

Filed under: News & Features