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Books Unite Us: Censorship and You In-Person
Book challenges are on the rise around the U.S. and here in Ohio, and they often target youth literature reflecting diverse identities and experiences. What can parents, educators, community members, and families do to support inclusion and access to diverse materials? Build your advocacy toolkit with Heights Libraries as we welcome local panelists from the ACLU of Ohio, the LGBT Community Center, and Colors + Youth. Strengthen your skills and become an advocate for diverse voices and inclusion in your community. Recommended for adults and teens, and registration is encouraged. Part of our Banned Book Week celebrations.
- Date:
- Thursday, September 22, 2022
- Time:
- 5:30pm - 6:30pm
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
- Location:
- Brody Nelson, Room B
- Branch:
- Lee Road
- Audience:
- 12-18 19+
- Categories:
- Culture/History Discussions LGBTQ
Registration has closed.
- The ACLU of Ohio is an affiliate of the national ACLU. Founded in 1920, the national ACLU includes more than 500,000 members in all 50 states, making it our country's foremost advocate of individual rights. The ACLU of Ohio has nearly 30,000 members and supporters statewide, working through education, litigation, and lobbying to preserve civil liberties for each new generation..
- Darlene Norwood English is the Associate Vice President of Education and Outreach at the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) in Washington, DC. In this role, Ms. English works to promote awareness of fair housing rights to the public and fair housing responsibilities to the housing, lending, and insurance industries. Previously, she served as Deputy Chief Housing Court Specialist with the Cleveland Municipal Housing Court and was Director of Education and Outreach for the Fair Housing Center for Rights & Research. She is the ACLU Ohio Affiliate National Board Member Representative. Ms. English is a writer, social justice advocate and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication from Cleveland State University.
- Since its founding in 1975, the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland has enriched the lives of the diverse LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, support, education, and celebration. The Queer Youth (QYou) Initiative at the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland provides a safe and affirming place for LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-20, working to collaborate and provide youth with a network of support and opportunities to express themselves, make new friends, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Bridgette Lewis (she/her) is one of the youth program coordinators for the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. Her role includes curating and maintaining a supportive and affirming space for LGBTQ+ youth and allies, administering the LGBT center’s educational leadership and advocacy series (#PowerUpPowerOut), and overall growing the youth program offerings. Her passions include equity and anti-oppression advocacy, queer sex education, literacy, literary studies, and has recently launched an intergenerational LGBTQ+ book club at the Center.
- Carmen Recchia (she/her) is a youth program coordinator at the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. She works to provide a space of community and support for LGBTQ+ youth, while also providing programming and support within several local school districts. She is passionate about social justice and policy work, as well as advancing equity in representation and opportunities for all youth.
- Colors+ Youth Center works to strengthen LGBTQ+ youth and allies by promoting individual and community wellness through youth, parent, and family programs, services, and partnerships.
- Kristen Pepera LPCC-S, M.Ed. is a licensed professional clinical counselor. She attended Ashland University for her undergraduate degree in psychology and graduated in 2008. Kristen earned her graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling from Kent State University in 2011. Kristen is passionate about helping and working with people of all ages, but particularly loves working with the LGBTQ+ population. She strives to walk with others and help them in any way that she can.
- Lisa Pepera LPCC-S, M.Ed. is a licensed professional clinical counselor and supervisor. She graduated from John Carroll University with an undergraduate degree in 2008. She completed a graduate program with Kent State University in 2011 with a degree in clinical mental health counseling. Lisa has been working in both residential and outpatient settings with community based mental health agencies since 2012. Lisa is a Fairview Park native, she has a passion for helping others around her and enjoys spending time outdoors and with family.