Since 1983, Banned Books Week has united the book community to celebrate the freedom to read and highlight authors and works that have faced censorship. Held during the last week of September, this annual event draws attention to books that have been challenged or banned throughout history, encouraging meaningful discussions about the stories that deserve to be shared.
Books are often banned for various reasons, but those addressing racial injustice, gender identity, LGBTQ+ issues, and sexual content are frequently targeted. These books push readers to face uncomfortable truths about society, which some view as a threat to established norms or values. Banning them limits free speech, silences diverse perspectives, and prevents readers from accessing important stories.
This post focuses on women and BIPOC authors whose works have faced bans, emphasizing the significance of their contributions to literature and the ongoing relevance of their stories.
Maya Angelou, a renowned author, poet, and civil rights activist, published I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings in 1969 as the first of her seven autobiographies. The book details her experiences with sexual abuse, racism, and personal struggles during her youth. In 2001, it was challenged in a Maryland high school, leading other institutions to remove it from their libraries.
Beloved tells the story of a woman haunted by the traumatic memories of slavery. Sethe, the protagonist, was born into slavery and escapes to Ohio. Though she is no longer enslaved, her past continues to trap her. The book delves into themes of motherhood, violence, slavery, and the challenges of overcoming trauma. Despite being adapted into a film in 1998, it has consistently ranked among the American Library Association’s top ten most challenged books. Concerns about violence raised by parents in Kentucky led to its removal from Eastern High School—efforts to censor the novel date back to 1995.
Author Alice Walker takes readers on a journey of sisterhood and hardships in The Color Purple. Characters Celie, Nettie, Shug Avery, and Sophia share their experiences of abuse and intimate partner violence while narrating their pain, self-determination, bravery, and growth. The story transcends today’s generation, yet it has been often banned from school libraries since 1984.
Hood Feminism critiques the limitations of mainstream feminism. In a series of essays, Mikki Kendall points out how prominent white feminists have overlooked issues related to race, class, sexual orientation, and disability, neglecting their connection to gender. Drawing on her own experiences with violence, poverty, and hypersexualization, she urges feminists to expand their efforts and prioritize inclusivity. After her book was removed from some shelves, Kendall took to Twitter, reaffirming her dedication to using her writing to continue advocating against injustice.
Award-winning author Tiffany D. Jackson wrote the novel Monday’s Not Coming in 2018. The book talks about the disappearance of a teenager, Monday Charles, and how her best friend Claudia digs into her disappearance to discover that no one can recall the last time they saw Monday. This novel has been challenged in Virginia and Texas and removed from school libraries for violence, sexual content, and language.
The Importance of Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week goes beyond opposing censorship—it celebrates the diverse voices that push us to think deeply and with empathy. The authors featured here, particularly women and people of color, provide vital insights on identity, power, and social justice. Their stories give space to marginalized voices and emphasize the role of literature in building empathy and understanding in a world often divided.
As readers, we can support these voices by engaging with and sharing their works, rather than silencing them. This ensures that future generations can access the rich diversity of stories that contribute to a more just and inclusive society.