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Black & Banned: Refusing to Let Our History be Whitewashed

Invited readers share passages from banned books, either penned by Black authors or illuminating racism and Black American history.
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When and Where

Date and Time

Sunday, Feb 8, 2026
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Address

Frederick Allen Elks Lodge #609, 69 Beekman Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Cost

FREE ADMISSION

About this event

“We celebrate the stories of our people by making them public.”

Essential American literature by and about Black Americans are systematically being removed from library shelves and school curriculums. The American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom has noted that there is an increase in challenges to books about racism and black history ... and black authors are banned at a higher rate than white authors.

Frederick Allen Elks Lodge #609 and Mary A. Carter Temple #302 (of the IBPOE of W), the two oldest black civic organizations in Saratoga Springs, along with Our Lodge Foundation, are utilizing Black History Month to spotlight banned books, either penned by Black authors or illuminating racism and Black American history.  Join us as invited readers share passages from these banned books, with personal insight into WHY the book has been targeted. Attendees will also have the opportunity to read from chosen material. All may join in the conversation!

This event is meant to celebrate the freedom to read what we choose to, without government or public interference -- an essential right to creating a better world for everyone!

Banned Books by Black Authors include: I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, Beloved, The Bluest Eye, The Color Purple, The Hate U Give.

Banned Books Exposing Racism include: To Kill A Mocking Bird, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Black Like Me.

Updates on our calendar: FrederickAllenLodge.org

FREE Event: Donations are always appreciated.
Please note: FAL's Bar will not be open. However, soda and water will be available for purchase.

Co-sponsored by I.B.P.O.E. of W.'s Frederick Allen Elks Lodge #609, Mary A. Carter Temple #362, and OurLodgeFoundation.org


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Event times and information subject to change and not guaranteed.

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