Renowned pop musician Pink has announced an initiative to distribute 2,000 banned books at her upcoming Florida concerts. This move, in partnership with PEN America and local bookstore Books & Books, is a response to the increasing trend of book bans in public schools, particularly in Florida. The state has recently surpassed Texas in the number of books banned, with a focus on works discussing race, racism, and LGBTQ identities.
The Focus on Florida
The initiative by Pink aligns with PEN America’s findings, which highlight a worrying trend in Florida. According to the organization, Florida leads the nation in the number of banned books, with a significant number of these books dealing with themes of race, racism, and LGBTQ identities. The bans disproportionately affect works by Black and LGBTQ authors.
Pink’s Message and Book Selection
In a strong statement against these bans, Pink expressed her commitment to standing against censorship, particularly targeting works about race, racism, LGBTQ authors, and authors of color. Her selection of books for the giveaway includes “The Family Book” by Todd Parr, “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman, “Beloved” by Toni Morrison, and a book from the “Girls Who Code” movement. These titles reflect the diverse themes and authors affected by the recent bans.
National Implications
PEN America’s data shows a 33% national increase in book bans, with Florida accounting for over 40% of these incidents. The organization warns that Florida’s restrictive laws and policies are setting a precedent for the nation, contributing to a worrying rise in censorship. This movement has led to nearly 6,000 instances of book bans since 2021, indicating a broader challenge to freedom of speech and expression in the United States.
A Call to Action
Pink’s collaboration with PEN America and her proactive stance in her Florida concerts is more than a symbolic gesture; it’s a call to action against the growing trend of censorship in schools. By providing access to these banned books, she is taking a stand for educational freedom and the right to diverse and inclusive literature, reflecting a broader fight for equality and against regression in societal progress.