Freedom School Read-In Returns | Des Moines News

Waterloo West High School kicks off its second annual 1619 Freedom School Read-in this July 18, bringing together powerhouse authors like Jason Reynolds, Angie Thomas, Renée Watson, and Nikole Hannah-Jones to read, discuss, and celebrate stories that have been banned in Iowa schools. The event, born from resistance to Senate File 496 — which removed thousands of books deemed inappropriate — aims to affirm every voice matters and reignite a love of reading. As a community rallying point, it also offers free books and a rare chance to hear literary giants in person, following last year’s record turnout of over 800 attendees and 3,000 books distributed. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e99837eb6d2586a8