LeVar Burton jokes about fighting Moms for Liberty at National Book Awards
Actor LeVar Burton Takes a Stand Against Moms for Liberty at National Book Awards
At the 74th National Book Awards ceremony in New York City, actor LeVar Burton didn’t hold back in his speech. Before the winners were announced, Burton took a playful jab at conservative political organization Moms for Liberty.
“Before we get going, are there any Moms for Liberty in the house? Moms for Liberty? No? Good,” Burton exclaimed. “Then hands will not need to be thrown tonight.”
Moms for Liberty, founded in 2021 by two concerned Florida mothers, has been involved in shaping school library collections. However, Burton highlighted the broader issue of the battle for truth and interpretation in the United States.
“Books are being banned, words are being silenced, and writers and others who champion books are under attack,” Burton passionately stated. “And there is a reason, I believe, why books are under attack — it’s because they are so powerful. Stories are the tool that enable us to better understand ourselves and, yes, our history.”
Notably, talk show host Oprah Winfrey also condemned book bans in her own speech at the event.
Change of Host and Burton’s Background
Originally, actress Drew Barrymore was set to host the ceremony. However, due to a controversy surrounding her talk show’s production during the Writers Guild of America strike, she was replaced. Burton, known for his role in the iconic television series Roots and as the former host of Reading Rainbow, stepped in to deliver an impactful speech.
Today, Burton continues to promote literacy through his podcast, LeVar Burton Reads, where he shares captivating readings of short stories.
Who else at the event condemned book bans and what did they emphasize in their speech
Actor LeVar Burton made waves at the 74th National Book Awards ceremony with his spirited speech addressing the issue of book bans and the battle for truth and interpretation in the United States. Burton, who gained fame for his roles in the television series Roots and as the former host of Reading Rainbow, did not shy away from expressing his opinions about conservative political organization Moms for Liberty.
Before the winners of the awards were announced, Burton lightly teased the organization, asking if there were any Moms for Liberty present. Upon receiving no response, he quipped, “Then hands will not need to be thrown tonight.” Moms for Liberty, founded by two concerned mothers from Florida in 2021, has been actively involved in shaping school library collections. However, Burton used this opportunity to shed light on the broader issue of censorship and the attacks faced by those who defend books and freedom of expression.
In his impassioned speech, Burton emphasized the power of books and stories as tools for understanding ourselves and our history. He spoke about the alarming trend of books being banned and the suppression of words, lamenting the fact that writers and advocates for books are under attack. His words struck a chord with the audience, resonating with the shared belief in the power of literature.
Burton was not the only prominent figure at the event to condemn book bans. Talk show host Oprah Winfrey also spoke out against censorship in her own speech, underscoring the importance of protecting the freedom to read and think critically.
It is worth mentioning that the hosting duties for the event underwent a change. Actress Drew Barrymore was initially scheduled to host the ceremony. However, due to controversy surrounding her talk show’s production during the Writers Guild of America strike, she was replaced. Burton, renowned for his dedication to promoting literacy and reading, stepped in and delivered a compelling speech that captivated the audience.
Today, Burton continues to be a champion for literacy through his podcast, LeVar Burton Reads. With his captivating readings of short stories, he keeps the joy of reading alive and inspires listeners to explore the power of literature.
LeVar Burton’s fearless stand against Moms for Liberty and his passionate defense of books at the National Book Awards ceremony have sparked important conversations about the freedom of expression and the crucial role of literature in our society. His words serve as a reminder of the need to protect both the diversity of ideas and the right to access knowledge.
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