The University of Illinois Press, University of Illinois System, and CARLI have announced a literary symposium, Free People Read Freely: Literacy, Inclusion, and Democracy, which takes place August 20-21 at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and iHotel. Featuring speakers, panels, and more, they’ll take on topics including “book banning, censorship, and the importance of reading and books to fostering public dialogue, inclusion, and engaged citizenship.”
Dr. Ruby Mendenhall, City of Urbana’s Poet Laureate, will be moderating the keynote conversation alongside authors Clint Smith (pictured above) and George M. Johnson on day one, as well as a keynote from writer, activist, and professor Tony Diaz to kick off day two.
You can read all about what they have planned at their website above, and registration is now open if you’re interested in attending.
