COLUMBUS, Ohio — In recognition of the importance of literature, particularly amid growing resistance against diversity programs and discussions on contentious subjects, Ohio legislators and literacy supporters seized the occasion of Toni Morrison’s birthday to advocate for challenging texts. Morrison, an esteemed author who received both the Nobel Prize and the Pulitzer Prize, was born and raised in northeastern Ohio. She is best known for her acclaimed works, including The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon, and Beloved.
During a press conference, Elisa Stone Leahy, a children’s author involved with Right to Read Ohio and Authors Against Book Bans, emphasized that while Morrison’s narratives may be challenging, they possess the power to transform lives. Leahy highlighted that the author’s profound stories inspire contemporary writers who are deeply concerned about the present climate.
“Words are powerful and inherently carry risk,” Leahy stated. “As a children’s author, my goal is to prioritize the welfare of kids. There’s a natural apprehension regarding what children might encounter that we may not endorse, yet suppressing these ideas isn’t the solution. We should foster connections and engage in meaningful discussions with our youth.”
Her remarks come amidst a larger national discourse as conservatives criticize perceived “wokeness” within educational institutions. In Ohio, the Protect Ohio Children Coalition has emerged as a strong force, systematically investigating schools and districts that, according to them, promote “dangerous and radical materials” to students. The coalition has even developed an “indoctrination map” to pinpoint specific school districts online.
State Representative Joe Miller, a Democrat representing Morrison’s hometown of Lorain, spoke on the power of instilling a reading passion in children. He argued that reading enhances critical thinking, nurturing empathy, creativity, and broadening horizons regarding different individuals.
Miller recounted that Morrison began her journey in literacy with chalk on sidewalks and emphasized her belief that her library job was foundational: “Everything I do starts here,” he recalled her stating. Lorain is located approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Cleveland.
He also mentioned a recent event at the Lorain Public Library that honored young writers of various backgrounds, which was part of The Big Read, an initiative supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. He expressed concern that diminishing funding could eliminate similar opportunities for young creatives in the future.
Sharon Hawkins, the director of Right to Read Ohio, pointed out that the constitutional right to free speech includes access to reading. She noted that this principle has been recognized in legal rulings that extend to children’s rights in educational settings.
“Courts have consistently opposed any limitations on reading access simply because individuals disagree with a book’s ideas,” she stated. “Moreover, we — citizens across all political spectra — greatly value our local libraries and the dedicated librarians serving our communities.”
