Pop singer Pink is taking a stand against censorship and discrimination in Florida by giving away 2,000 banned books at her four concerts in the state. The books include The Family Book, The Hill We Climb, Beloved, and Girls Who Code, which have been challenged or removed by schools for various reasons, such as LGBTQ+ themes, racial issues, or sexual content.
Pink has partnered with PEN America, a free speech organization, to distribute the books to her fans in Florida, which has the highest number of book bans in the country. The state has also passed laws that limit free speech and LGBTQ+ rights in education, such as banning the teaching of critical race theory and requiring parental consent for minors to access library books.
“I am unwilling to stand by while books are banned by schools, especially those about race and racism and by LGBTQ authors and those of color. I am proud to partner with PEN America to give away these books to my fans in Florida,” Pink said in a statement.
PEN America praised Pink for her initiative and said the book giveaway is a way to celebrate the power of literature and to challenge censorship. “Books are essential for young people to learn about themselves and the world, and attempts to ban them only harm the freedom of expression and the joy of reading,” said Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America.
Pink’s fans were excited to receive the books and to support her cause. “I think it’s amazing that she’s doing this. I love reading and I don’t think anyone should tell me what I can or can’t read. I’m excited to get one of the books and see what they are about,” said Mia, a 15-year-old fan of Pink.
Relevant articles:
– Pink to Give Away Banned Books at Florida Tour Stops, Rolling Stone, November 13, 2023
– Pink will give 2,000 banned books to Florida fans, saying she’s ‘unwilling to stand by’, MSN, November 13, 2023
– Pink gives away 2,000 banned books at Florida concerts, npr, November 13, 2023
– Pink to Give Away 2,000 Banned Books About Race and Sexuality at Upcoming Florida Tour Stops, People, November 13, 2023