The South Atlanta Educational Complex, which includes the schools of Computer Animation and Design, Health and Medical Sciences, and Law and Social Justice, exercised their freedom to read during Banned Books Week (BBW) observed September 22-28th. This event was bolstered by a $1,000 grant from the Freedom to Read Foundation’s Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund, and highlighted popular and controversial male authors of color.
Launched in 1992, BBW is a national campaign that celebrates the right to read, and brings attention to the large number of books that are being challenged in schools and libraries across the nation. South Atlanta celebrated BBW with an essay contest, where students read a book by an African American male author, wrote about how the author’s work supports or dispels stereotypes about men of color, and its impact on them.
Winners of the essay contest were announced during a luncheon and Google+ virtual read-out on September 25. The first place winner received a Samsung Chromebook and letter jacket.
Additional activities during BBW included a public library card drive and a classroom visit and workshop by the nationally renowned steampunk author of Moses: The Chronicles of Harriet Tubman, Balogun Ojetade.
“The ability to read and access the voices from people of all backgrounds is essential for equipping students with the tools needed to be successful in college, career and life,” says Shanna Miles, South Atlanta Educational Complex media specialist and event coordinator.
