book bans

No matter how much the right derides the word, the Black community needs to stay woke. In recent years, we’ve witnessed a disturbing trend that threatens the foundations of our democratic society: the rise of book bans, curriculum censorship and attacks on historical narratives in our educational institutions.

Olivia Gatwood knew the book she co-authored was controversial. She was aware that “Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice,” a collection of poems for kids, had been challenged in Texas school libraries, but she had no idea of the recent dispute it had stirred in a Massachusetts town.

This 2023-24 school year, libraries across the country are a few books short. An increasing number of states have enforced policies banning books that deal with race, history and gender identity. These bans are the inspiration for Abilities Dance Boston’s original piece, “The Banned Ballet.”