Book Bans vs. the Right to Read: Kelly Jensen and Rev. Amos Brown

This week on The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush invites Kelly Jensen as a guest. Jensen is a strong advocate for intellectual freedom, democracy, and the right to read. With experience as an editor at Book Riot and a former librarian, she has been actively fighting against book bans and censorship. The discussion delves into the increasing trend of censorship, the influence of religious extremism on book bans, and ways to protect free expression and democratic principles.

Jensen shares her personal encounters and perspectives on the emotional toll of censorship, the significance of diverse narratives, and how communities can unite to support libraries and schools. Practical suggestions are given on actions individuals can take, like participating in library board meetings, writing supportive letters, and getting involved in local elections to defend the freedom to read.

Later, Rev. Amos Brown, the longstanding president of the NAACP of San Francisco and a lifelong civil rights advocate, joins Paul. He recounts lending valuable personal items to the Smithsonian Institution – a historical Bible and the first book on Black American history – and the institution’s attempt to return them as part of an anti-diversity directive (though there are indications this decision may be reversed).

Kelly Jensen serves as an editor at Book Riot, the largest independent literary website in North America. Her weekly newsletter focusing on violations of the right to read and avenues for advocacy is called Literary Activism. Rev. Dr. Amos Brown is a respected pastor at Third Baptist Church in San Francisco, a church attended by Vice President Kamala Harris. Having been one of the few students taught by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Morehouse College, Amos leads the NAACP San Francisco chapter.

Feel free to share this episode with someone who would appreciate this conversation, and thank you for tuning in!

As a non-profit organization, RNS believes in providing fair, thoughtful, and inclusive coverage of religion accessible to all without a paywall. Your support is crucial to sustain the journalists, editors, columnists, and staff working behind the scenes. If possible, please consider donating to help us continue our mission of delivering insightful and factual religious coverage that enhances your understanding of the world. Thank you for reading and supporting RNS.

Deborah Caldwell, CEO and Publisher
Donate today