Visit #Philadelphia, in collaboration with Little Free Library, is celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth by providing access to banned books by Black authors in Philadelphia. Over 30 states have restricted books by Black authors, impacting their reach to readers.Â
Little Free Library aims to preserve Black history and storytellers by making these forbidden books available at 13 locations until Feb. 28, alongside giving away 1,500 free books. It also aims to deepen understanding and inspire individuals through the stories they discover. Angela Val, CEO of Visit Philadelphia, emphasized the importance of honoring Black stories, stating that Black history is American history.Â
The initiative includes a video series featuring Philadelphia natives like Marc Lamont Hill and Dr. Christina Afia Harris, along with Joyce Abbot, whose story inspired the show Abbott Elementary. The books were purchased from local Black-owned bookstores such as Hakim's Bookstore and Harriet's Bookshop to support Black small businesses.Â
This collaborative effort underscores Philadelphia's commitment to being a welcoming destination where everyone can find belonging and where the contributions of Black people are recognized and celebrated.
Here is the list of books available:
The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds
All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
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