Intellectual Freedom Teen Meetup: Creativity as a Resource for Resistance

Want to explore how creativity goes beyond making art—and provides a powerful tool for change? In a time when books are being challenged, young people are stepping up to protect stories, voices, and access to knowledge. This panel invites storytellers of all ages to explore how writing, storytelling, and community can be powerful forms of activism.

 

Hear from three inspiring storytellers who’ve used their creative work to resist, build community, and uplift voices:

• Autumn Allen, editor and author of ALL YOU HAVE TO DO, will speak to the idea of, “writing as an act of resistance and hope.” From her work as a Muslim Storyteller Fellow to hosting writing sessions during challenging times, Autumn has focused on making sure new voices—especially those writing for children—have the tools they need to thrive.
• Intisar Khanani, author of YA fantasy, including THE SUNBOLT CHRONICLES, brings a deep understanding of peer mentorship and creative support. As a fellow, mentor, and co-leader of the Muslim Whole Novel program, she’s helped build spaces where writers support one another to tell the stories that matter.
• Rhonda Roumani, journalist and author of TAGGING FREDOM and more, reminds us that resistance can take many forms. Sometimes it starts with one word, one sentence, one story. Her work reflects how art and activism can blend to powerful effect, and how no form of resistance is too small to matter.

 

The session will begin with a warm conversation between the three creatives, and lead into opportunities to write together. We’ll save time at the end to share work in small groups and celebrate your creativity as a powerful resource.

 

 

Join us to discuss intellectual freedom issues, your favorite books, and all things BPL's Books Unbanned initiative. Connect with peers across the country and learn how you can support youth in protecting the right to read whatever they choose.

Please register by 4 pm EST to receive a Zoom link the day of the meetup.

 

Find out more about Books Unbanned here and upcoming meetings here!