Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams: Episode Summary

Title: The Right to Read and Fighting Book Bans with LeVar Burton
Release Date: September 26, 2024
Host: Stacey Abrams
Guest: Reverend Carolyn Abrams & LeVar Burton

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams, Stacey delves deep into the pressing issue of book bans in America. Joining her are two pivotal voices: her mother, Reverend Carolyn Abrams, a former librarian and ordained minister, and the legendary LeVar Burton, author, actor, and avid advocate for literacy. Together, they explore the origins, impacts, and solutions to the alarming rise in book censorship across the nation.

Conversation with Reverend Carolyn Abrams

Personal Connection to Literature

Stacey opens the episode by sharing her personal connection to books, inherited from her mother. Raised in a family where books were cherished over material possessions, Stacey emphasizes the foundational role reading played in her upbringing.

Stacey Abrams [00:39]: "Because we can't fix everything, everywhere, all at once; but we can each do something, somewhere, soon."

The Evolution of Book Bans

Reverend Carolyn provides historical context, highlighting how book banning has transformed from isolated parental objections to an organized political movement. She references the 2023 report by the American Library Association (ALA), noting a record number of book challenges, particularly targeting diverse voices and public libraries.

Protecting Librarians and Libraries

The discussion shifts to the targeted attacks on librarians, with some states imposing criminal penalties on them for simply doing their jobs. Reverend Carolyn urges listeners to support librarians by:

• Connecting with local libraries
• Joining or forming advocacy groups
• Reporting any attempts to ban books

Reverend Carolyn Abrams [12:12]: "Banning books is not the answer."

Religion and Book Bans

Addressing the conflation of religious beliefs with book banning, Reverend Carolyn emphasizes the importance of separating freedom of religion from freedom of speech. She defends the role of librarians in providing diverse materials while upholding parental responsibility for guiding their children's reading.

Dialogue with LeVar Burton

Introduction to LeVar Burton

After a brief interlude, Stacey introduces LeVar Burton, renowned for his roles in Roots, Reading Rainbow, and as Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation. LeVar brings a wealth of experience in storytelling and activism, making him an ideal guest to discuss the fight against book bans.

The Significance of Banned Books Week

LeVar elaborates on the importance of Banned Books Week, framing it as a crucial period to spotlight and counteract attempts to censor literature. He underscores the motive behind book bans as a bid for control over narratives and, by extension, reality.

LeVar Burton [20:43]: "It's a play for control. We all know and have known for a long time that, you know, the game goes. Control the narrative, and you control reality."

Literature as a Civil Right

Delving into his documentary, The Right to Read, LeVar presents literacy as a fundamental civil right, equating it to access to clean water and safe shelter. He passionately argues that censorship not only denies access to stories but also undermines individual and collective identities.

LeVar Burton [34:04]: "I believe that storytelling is the thing that binds us all together. All of our hopes, our dreams... It is the sum total of who we are."

Impacts of Book Bans on Marginalized Communities

LeVar highlights how book bans disproportionately target works that reflect the lives and histories of LGBTQIA individuals and people of color. He questions the rationale behind censoring Pulitzer and Nobel-winning authors like Toni Morrison, emphasizing the cultural and educational losses these bans represent.

Strategies to Combat Book Banning

Stacey and LeVar outline actionable steps to resist censorship:

1. For Authors:

   • Continue writing and sharing diverse stories.
   • Engage with publishers to prioritize inclusive literature.

2. For Publishers:

   • Increase diversity within editorial teams.
   • Support and promote works by marginalized authors.

3. For Consumers:

   • Support local and school libraries.
   • Purchase and read banned books.
   • Advocate for intellectual freedom by reporting attempts to ban books.

LeVar Burton [48:18]: "Find a level on which you can engage that makes sense to you... Support your school librarian. Support your local librarian. Read banned books, Buy banned books."

Reflections from Star Trek

Drawing parallels from his experience in Star Trek: The Next Generation, LeVar shares lasting lessons on cooperation, respect, and the importance of diverse narratives. He relates the show's ethos of peaceful exploration and mutual respect to the current fight against book bans, advocating for a society that values diverse stories as essential to its progress.

LeVar Burton [51:32]: "The essence of Star Trek is the idea of peaceful exploration... It promotes a world that I certainly wanted to live in."

Personal Commitment to Activism

LeVar emphasizes the necessity of marrying indignation with action, echoing Stacey's own approach in her political career. He advocates for proactive involvement and continuous advocacy to protect literary freedoms.

LeVar Burton [38:01]: "I consider that at this point in my life, my job is to be LeVar Burton... It is important and really essential that those of good conscience stand up."

Actionable Toolkit for Listeners

In the concluding segment, Stacey provides listeners with a "Toolkit" to take immediate action against book bans:

• Be Curious: Educate yourself and others about banned books and the reasons behind their censorship.
• Do Good: Support libraries, authors, and organizations fighting for intellectual freedom.
• Solve Problems: Engage in community advocacy, report book challenges, and organize events to raise awareness.

Specific Actions:

1. Report Book Challenges: Use the ALA’s online reporting tools.
2. Write to Authors: Express support and appreciation for their work.
3. Organize Events: Host reading clubs, webinars, or local gatherings to promote banned books.
4. Support Literacy: Encourage reading among children and adults alike, ensuring access to diverse narratives.

Stacey Abrams [54:07]: "The fight to protect reading never ends. So go to the ALA website for resources, ideas, and even a Pinterest page to get you brainstorming."

Conclusion

Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams successfully navigates the complex terrain of book banning, blending personal anecdotes with expert insights. Through heartfelt discussions with Reverend Carolyn Abrams and LeVar Burton, listeners are not only informed about the dangers of censorship but are also empowered with the tools to take meaningful action. This episode serves as a clarion call to protect the freedom to read, ensuring that literature remains a vibrant and inclusive cornerstone of society.

Notable Quotes:

• Stacey Abrams [00:39]: "Because we can't fix everything, everywhere, all at once; but we can each do something, somewhere, soon."
• Reverend Carolyn Abrams [12:12]: "Banning books is not the answer."
• LeVar Burton [20:43]: "It's a play for control. We all know and have known for a long time that, you know, the game goes. Control the narrative, and you control reality."
• LeVar Burton [34:04]: "I believe that storytelling is the thing that binds us all together."
• LeVar Burton [48:18]: "Find a level on which you can engage that makes sense to you... Support your school librarian. Support your local librarian. Read banned books, Buy banned books."
• LeVar Burton [51:32]: "The essence of Star Trek is the idea of peaceful exploration... It promotes a world that I certainly wanted to live in."
• Stacey Abrams [54:07]: "The fight to protect reading never ends."

This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the key discussions, insights, and call-to-action segments. It provides a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened, ensuring they gain a deep understanding of the critical issues surrounding book bans and the collective efforts to combat them.