I’m encouraged but the fight is just beginning. Thank you to the Rutherford County Library Alliance and Matthew Fee for being there in force. Thank you to all the speakers who shared from their experiences, their wisdom, and their hearts.

The school board has until September 19 to make their recommendation. We were heartened that members plan to read both the books and the state law permitting such book challenges.

—and lastly, a mom who started with a true story which turned out to be the inspiration for Toni Morrison’s Beloved, one of the seven books under discussion. This is her favorite book—not because it was easy but because it made her world and her understanding of it bigger.

—A father who went to the heart of the issue for many—caring for and protecting his child and how letting them read freely and having a relationship built on trust and open communication gives them a way to talk about what they read with parents, that this freedom to read is a true love language

—A school librarian and community leader who cited two bills passed by the Tennessee legislature in the same year—one honoring such Tennessee classics as Roots and another giving broad power to remove books with such murky language that Roots itself could be removed.

—A student, nervous about her first time speaking at this forum, who demonstrated she did the research and understood the laws and asked the board to do the same.

This is what we heard. —an articulate mother who cited both state and national law and explained clearly what the legal definition of “obscenity” was—and why these books were not obscene. (five people spoke, more below)

Right backatcha @tracisorellauthor.bsky.social !

My pleasure! This was a VERY audio-friendly crowd!

You are SO good! Thank you!