Book bans have traditionally targeted Black authors, especially those that write about race and LGBTQ+ themes.  Since 2021, book bans have increased as debates have arisen against critical race theory.  In particular, Florida governor, Ron DeSantis’ administration rejected a curriculum put forward by the African-American History Advanced Placement curriculum, censoring themes of Black feminism and queerness.  This type of censorship sends a message that these voices are not valued, and above all, shouldn’t be heard.  This recent rash of book bans has inspired my most recent artwork.

I chose four influential Black American authors, who have all had their literature banned at some point (and continue to have banned) as the focus of my painting:  James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, and Amanda Gorman.  These authors have contributed to the rich fabric of African-American voices and experiences in the literary world and have inspired future generations of readers and authors through their exploration of themes addressing race, identity, gender, class, and sexuality.  

James Baldwin was a novelist, essayist, playwright and social critic who bore witness to the racial strife in America and used his writings to challenge readers to confront racial and sexual oppression.  Baldwin was an influential voice during the Civil Rights Movement and his critiques of racial injustice made him an important figure in the fight for civil rights.  Baldwin’s experiences as a Black, gay man also infused his writings with a deep understanding of intersectionality and a demand for equality and dignity for all.  His work raised awareness about the importance of having uncomfortable conversations and challenged the homophobia and prejudice of the time.  I included two of his quotes emanating from the plumes of smoke from his cigarette in the portrait:  “You think your pain and heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world and then you read”, and “artists are here to disturb the peace”.  These reflections as well as his body of work offer a glimpse into the importance of authors and words in challenging inequality, fostering empathy and understanding, and inspiring societal change.  They are as important now and they were then.  

Dr. Maya Angelou has left an indelible mark on Black literature and purposely crowns the top of the composition.  Not only did she impact America’s conscience with her writings and orations about racial oppression and inequality, she served as an important activist during the Civil Rights Movement, working alongside prominent leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.  I chose to include her quote, “Words mean more than what is set down on paper.  It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning”, because of her belief in the transformative power of words.  She was a self-proclaimed mute as a child due to a sexual assault and what broke her silence was beginning to read poetry out loud.   Later on, she would recite her inaugural poem at Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1993, becoming the first Black woman to do so.  Her ability to write and powerfully deliver words through her orations not only shone a light on the pervasiveness of racism but also illustrated the courage and resilience of the human spirit.  

Toni Morrison acts as the anchor of the composition because of her enlarged portrait and upward profiled gaze.  Morrison has shaped the literary world with her rich accounts of what it is like to grow up Black in America and investigates themes of race, class, and gender in her writing.  Morrison was the first black author to win a Nobel Peace Prize for literature and has also been one of the most frequently banned authors in America.

Her accounts of some of the darker moments in American history in regards to race, trauma, and abuse and the attempts to erase such accounts by critics underscore her importance as a writer.  I included her quote, “A writer’s life and work are not a gift to mankind; they are its necessity” because it succinctly captures the important role an author plays in reflecting the harsh realities of the human condition.

Amanda Gorman is the final portrait in this artwork and was placed at the bottom, centre, to draw the viewer into the composition.  Her youthful upward gaze, pays homage to the literary greats that came before her and she represents the next generation of authors that continue to fight against censorship and artistic freedom.  Like Dr. Angelou, she is also a poet laureate and has become a voice for her generation.  In this portrait, I added the words, “Let Freedom Read”, to help communicate the connection between reading and the representation and uplifting of all voices.  “Let Freedom Read” is a theme that has been used for banned book weeks and is also reminiscent of the line, “Let Freedom Ring” from Dr. Martin Luther King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.  I also included a snippet from Gorman’s inaugural poem:  “For there is always light, if we are only brave enough to see it.  If only we are brave enough to be it”, as it shows her commitment to hope, unity, and healing in her writings despite the darkness of our history.  

It is my hope that this painting will encourage viewers to read banned books, have uncomfortable conversations, and develop a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of race, identity, and gender in the fight for equality.