UPDATE...UPDATE...UPDATE.....CANCELED ---Censorship on Saturday...I'm on the Panel.

THE CONVERSATION HAS BEEN CANCELLED---LIKE SO ANY OTHER THINGS IN MONTGOMERY---BECAUSE OF THE CORONAVIRUS SITUATION.

I'll let you know when and if it is rescheduled.

ASF's production of ALABAMA STORY by Kenneth Jones inspires this conversation. 

The play tells the story of the 1959 controversy over "The Rabbits' Wedding," a book that depicted a white rabbit marrying a black rabbit. Alabama State Librarian Emily Wheelock Reed stood up to segregationists who wanted a children's book removed from the libraries over fears that it promoted integration. You can read more about the play, and the historical event, here: http://bit.ly/storyAlabama.

In this conversation, we want to look at modern censorship. Many of the nation's most challenged books include LGBTQIA characters and sexual situations. And it goes beyond books; APT's decision not to air an episode of "Arthur" angered many. But who gets to decide what is appropriate for the community? Should public libraries and other public institutions that accept government money, like schools and government facilities, also accept government oversight? And what are the dangers of LGBTQIA censorship? Who is hurt when we say that LGBTQIA representation is dangerous?

PANELISTS:
Meta Ellis, Montgomery Pride United
Emma McDaniel-Ellis, Montgomery Pride United
Jaylan Haley, Colors, River Region
Tim Lennox, 50 Year Broadcaster, Retired
Christopher Searcy, Broadcaster

Biscuits (& more!) courtesy of Cahawba House. Complimentary coffee from Prevail Union Montgomery will also be available.

ASF will live-stream the conversation on our Facebook page.
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This programming is made possible by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

You don't have to have seen the play to participate; it provides a starting point that will ultimately inform a bigger conversation. If you are interested in the play, visit ASF.net/alastory to learn more.

This is a free community event. All are welcome.