by Jonathan P-Wright | Aug 18, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
As the wave of book banning efforts surge across the United States, the voice of former President Barack Obama has emerged as a rallying cry for those who value the free exchange of ideas. In a heartfelt open letter shared via social media, Obama underscored his support for the diligent librarians of America and emphasized the importance of fighting back against these suppressive measures.
Defending Democracy through Free Exchange of Ideas
According to Obama, the essence of any democracy is the free exchange of ideas, a crucial element that ensures citizens are informed, engaged, and feel their viewpoints hold significance. He states that the act of writing down these ideas, often in the form of a book, is a vital part of this process.
An ardent reader himself, the former president recounted how books, penned by his favorite authors such as Mark Twain, Toni Morrison, Walt Whitman, and James Baldwin, have profoundly impacted his life. It’s these books, he says, that are now being targeted by individuals who disagree with the ideas they present.
Barack Obama’s Full Letter can be read here
The Ripple Effect of Book Banning
The 44th President pointedly highlighted that most of the books under fire are written by members of the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, and indigenous people. This, he says, reflects a disturbing impulse to silence rather than engage, rebut, learn from, or seek to understand views that don’t align with our own. He firmly believes that such an approach is profoundly misguided and contrary to the ideals that make this country great.
A Tribute to Librarians
In his letter, Obama directly addressed the nation’s librarians, expressing his gratitude for their daily efforts. He praised their dedication to providing spaces where people can come together,
helping people gain access to educational resources, and standing on the front lines of this ongoing struggle.
“All of us owe you a debt of gratitude for making sure readers across the country have access to a wide range of books, and all the ideas they can contain,” he wrote.
Join the Fight Against Book Bans
Concluding his letter, Obama urged readers to join the fight against book bans, reminding them that the “free, robust exchange of ideas has always been at the heart of American democracy.”
More information about the book ban and how you can support the cause can be found here.
Unite Against Book Bans Campaign
The Unite Against Book Bans campaign is led by the American Library Association. To learn how you can support librarians and defend the right to read, join the campaign here.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 17, 2023
The fight against book bans in the USA is an urgent call to action. With the support and encouragement of voices like Barack Obama, there is hope that the tide can be turned in favor of free expression and the invaluable exchange of diverse ideas.
by Derrick T Lewis | Aug 18, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
Photo by Jakayla Toney on Unsplash
Keandre Green: A Fight for Justice Amidst Tragedy
21-year-old Texan, Keandre Green, finds himself in a battle for justice following an unfortunate incident that has left him hospitalized and with severe injuries. This distressing event has sent shockwaves throughout the community and beyond, sparking outrage and demands for truth and transparency from the Duncanville authorities.
A Day That Changed a Life
The fateful day unfolded just before noon on a seemingly ordinary Friday. Green, an avid jogger, was out for his routine run when a woman’s report drastically altered the course of his day. She accused him of indecent exposure in an alleyway, a claim that Green vehemently denies.
The Allegations
Upon receiving the report, Duncanville police swiftly responded to the scene, the alley of the 900 block of Wayne Avenue to be exact. As per the woman’s account, she spotted a young Black man, presumably in his early 20s, engaging in what she believed was inappropriate behavior.
“a Black male wearing red shorts and a white shirt, possibly in his early 20s, exposing his penis.”
Green, however, had a different version of the events. He explained to the officers that he had simply taken a brief pause from his jog to relieve himself in the alley.
The Escalation
A routine police check led to a discovery of an active warrant for family violence linked to Green. This revelation escalated the situation, and the attempted arrest resulted in a debacle that left Green with three back fractures. CBS News reported on this shocking outcome, causing public outrage and calls for the release of any body or dash camera footage from the incident.
The Aftermath
The police have, however, stated that the decision to release the footage will only be taken after thorough review. Meanwhile, the severity of Green’s injuries and the circumstances leading to them have stirred public sentiment and demands for justice.
Justin Moore, Green’s attorney, has challenged the validity of the so-called active warrant. According to him, the warrant was requested but never signed by a judge in Dallas County.
“We don’t see a warrant that was signed by any judge in Dallas County on any online database request for a warrant,” Moore said, according to CBS News.
He continues to express his disappointment and concern over the incident, criticizing the Duncanville PD for their handling of the situation.
“For Duncanville PD to put that out there as an excuse for breaking a young man’s back is really sad and disturbing.”
The Call for Justice
Moore maintains that Green was victimized over a trivial act that many people do, taking a brief relief in a secluded alleyway. He paints a terrifying picture of Green’s encounter with the police, stating that an unarmed Green, scared for his life, chose to run from the cops.
“Scared for his life and unarmed, he ran when confronted by police. The subsequent brutal arrest, including a knee on his neck, has resulted in severe spinal injuries that may change his life forever.”
The Long Road Ahead
As Keandre Green continues to fight for his life and justice, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for reform in law enforcement practices. The incident has sparked heated debates and discussions on police brutality, and the fight for justice is far from over.
A casual act turned into a nightmare, Keandre Green’s story is a potent symbol of the systemic issues plaguing our society today. His fight for justice is not just his own; it’s a fight for every individual who has ever been unjustly targeted or victimized.
As we continue to follow the developments in this case, we stand in solidarity with Keandre Green and his family in their quest for justice. We remain hopeful that truth and justice will prevail, bringing about much-needed change and healing.
RECENT COMMENTS