Beaufort Hosts Screening of Documentary on Censorship and the Fight for Literary Freedom

Beaufort Set to Host Powerful Documentary Screening on Censorship

Beaufort is buzzing with excitement as families, friends, and book lovers come together to take a stand against censorship. On Sunday, September 22 at 3 p.m., Families Against Book Bans is putting on a pre-screening of the thought-provoking documentary “Banned Together: The Fight Against Censorship” at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Lady’s Island. This engaging event promises to shine a light on the challenges faced by local students in their quest to defend the freedom to read.

A Journey of Activism

The documentary follows the inspiring journey of three young women during their senior year of high school. These dedicated student activists took center stage in what became a significant struggle to return 97 challenged books back to their rightful places on library shelves within the Beaufort County School District. The journey began when a complaint was filed by two residents in October 2022, raising questions about the appropriateness of certain content in these books.

Throughout the film, viewers will witness how these dynamic young leaders mobilized their peers and community to advocate for their beliefs. The film crew shadowed them during important school board meetings, where they passionately spoke out, and documented their travels to meet with national politicians. They even took the stage at the Right To Read Rally, held during the American Library Association’s annual conference in Chicago, to make their voices heard on a larger platform.

Join the Conversation

This special pre-screening event is free to the public, making it an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in understanding the current landscape of book censorship. Following the film, attendees will have the chance to participate in an engaging question-and-answer session with members of the film crew, allowing for a deeper discussion about the issues presented in the documentary and the continuing fight for literary freedom.

Getting Your Ticket

Everyone is welcome! It’s a great chance for families, educators, and anyone who believes in the importance of open access to literature to come together. For those interested in securing a ticket or learning more about the event, simply visit the “Banned Together” documentary website for further details.

More Events Coming Up in Beaufort

But that’s not the only exciting thing happening in Beaufort this September! Gary Sterling, an international entertainer, will also be hosting a free concert at the historic Penn Center. For music lovers, there’s more joy to be found as the USCB Chamber Music ensemble returns for its 45th season, offering a delightful array of performances throughout the fall.

Additionally, lovers of theater can look forward to an enchanting rendition of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic, which is sure to captivate audiences at the Beaufort Theatre Company. With various events lined up, September is shaping up to be a vibrant month in Beaufort, encouraging participation and fostering community spirit.

Final Thoughts

So mark your calendars for September 22 and be part of an important dialogue surrounding books, freedom, and community activism. Events like these remind us that the fight for access to literature is one that involves everyone. Join your neighbors in Beaufort at St. John’s Lutheran Church and celebrate the power of stories and the right to read—because every book matters.