NBJC, leaders, and Partners Announce National Campaign at NYC ‘Freedom to Learn’ Rally
***MEDIA ADVISORY***
WED, MAY 3 @ 3pm ET: Rev. Al Sharpton, Randi Weingarten, Kimberlé Crenshaw to Fight Alarming Censorship Movement, Announce National Campaign at NYC ‘Freedom to Learn’ Rally
As book bans surge, leaders to demonstrate at College Board headquarters following revelation that the organization lied about AP African American Studies course
NEW YORK, May 2, 2023 —Rev. Al Sharpton of the National Action Network, Randi Weingarten of the American Federation of Teachers, and Kimberlé Crenshaw of the African American Policy Forum are among the national leaders who will convene a demonstration against the effort waged by ultra conservatives such as Gov. Ron DeSantis and Moms for Liberty to purge books and antiracism education from schools. The Freedom to Learn campaign rally will take place at 3 p.m. ET in front of the College Board National Headquarters in New York City, where speakers will also address the harm caused by the College Board and others who capitulate to, or conspire with, the demagogues driving the attacks.
The event follows the recent revelations that the College Board lied about how and why it changed its Advanced Placement African American Studies curriculum — appeasing right-wing extremists at a time when a record number of books across the country are being targeted for censorship. Experts warn that the growing assaults on books and classrooms pose an urgent threat to the future of multiracial democracy in the US.
The New York rally, part of a National Day of Action, helps launch the Freedom to Learn Network’s unflinching campaign to preserve students’ access to accurate information about history and the lived experiences of marginalized communities. Around 150 grassroots demonstrations are expected across the US and online on May 3. Learn more at https://freedomtolearn.net/events/.
WHAT: Freedom to Learn NYC Rally, Part of the National Day of Action
WHO: Rev. Al Sharpton, National Action Network
Randi Weingarten, American Federation of Teachers
Kimberlé Crenshaw, African American Policy Forum
Akil Bello, FairTest
Dr. Stacie N.C. Grant, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, GLSEN
V (Formerly Eve Ensler), Playwright
WHEN: Wednesday, May 3 at 3 p.m. ET. Media setup at 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: In front of College Board National Headquarters
250 Vesey Street, New York, NY
PRESS RSVP: Press@aapf.org
