NATIONAL FREADOM TOWN HALL RALLY TO IGNITE DEFENSE FOR CREATIVE EXPRESSION & THE RIGHT TO READ Best-selling authors and educators unite May 31 in D.C. to push back against censorship and attacks on arts, education, and democracy WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 27, 2025  On Saturday, May 31, at 5:00 p.m., a powerful coalition of authors, educators, students, and artists will gather at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C., for the FREADOM Town Hall Rally—a public gathering to stand boldly for creative expression, access to all books, and the freedom to learn. Event Details: What: FREADOM Town Hall Rally When: Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, Washington, D.C. 901 G ST NW, Washington, DC 20001 Also streaming live at: bit.ly/freadom-rally This is more than a rally—it’s a movement. One that insists students deserve truth, curiosity, imagination, and the right to read freely. For media inquiries, interview requests, or additional information, please contact Tori Bachman at tori@kwamealexander.com. #FreadomRally #RightToRead #TeachTruth #AuthorsUnite #EducatorsForJustice #BannedBooksWeek #LibrariesFightBack #ReadFreely (fb)

**Statement on the Dismissal of Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress** Hurston Wright Foundation is dismayed and saddened by the dismissal of the Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden. In 2017, Dr. Hayden was awarded the North Star Award for her unwavering commitment to elevating and inspiring Black writers. Throughout her career, Dr. Hayden has been a champion of reading, literacy, intellectual freedom and access to information. During her tenure as Librarian of Congress (LOC), she championed LOC as the library for the American people, and ensured that it reflected the rich tapestry of America. She is a national hero. Dr. Hayden’s dismissal will no doubt create a significant and intentional void in our Nation’s literary and cultural landscape. Hurston Wright extends our appreciation and immense gratitude to Dr. Carla Hayden, 14th Librarian of Congress. Hurston Wright Foundation #westandandsupport #DrCarlaHayden #LibrarianofCongress #hurstonwrightfoundation #northstarmeritaward (fb)