3rd Annual Malcolm X Bookfest
FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2023 – SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
THE 3RD ANNUAL MALCOLM X BOOKFEST INSPIRES COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, EQUITY, AND LITERACY, SPONSORED BY EQUITY COUNCIL CORP.
[Winter Park, FL, 5/22/2023] – The 3rd Annual Malcolm X Bookfest, a remarkable literary event celebrating the enduring legacy of Malcolm X, known as “el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz,” every third weekend in May, successfully concluded its activities on Saturday, May 20th, 2023 at 6 p.m. The festival, presented by Equity Council Corp., proved to be a transformative experience that brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore the power of knowledge, community engagement, and equity. The 3rd Annual Malcolm X Bookfest is held at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in the historic African-American community of Hannibal Square in Winter Park, FL.
Throughout the Bookfest, attendees were captivated by an outstanding lineup of renowned authors, influential speakers, and entertainers. Since 2021 The Equity Council Corp., a Black-owned and operated grassroots 501c3, has been fighting for equity in Central Florida for disenfranchised students and their communities. This year with the help of our fantastic co-sponsors, Dare Books, Central Florida’s largest cultural bookstore in Longwood, FL, and National Black Cultural Information Trust (NBCI Trust), a Pan-African organization based in the Maryland & Washington D.C. area, we were able to fight an unprecedented book ban that is infringing upon the constitutional right of Florida public school students by restricting their access to literature. To combat this horrific governmental sanction, the NBCI Trust, an organization committed to the upliftment and collective survival and freedom of Black communities through informative resources, provided the Equity Council Corp with $16,000.00 worth of culturally significant books initially distributed to children and families in attendance at the 3rd Annual Malcolm X Bookfest and following the festival to local community centers, private schools, homeschool co-ops, and daycare centers across the Central Florida community.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Dare Books and NBCI Trust,” said LaWanda Thompson, President of The Equity Council Corp. “We created the Malcolm X Bookfest intending to ensure children would have an opportunity to learn more about Malcolm X because his legacy was not being taught in local schools. Yet not in a million years did I think we would be under a tyrannical governor who would create an oligarchy system that completely disregards history, the differences in people, and our democracy. Overnight, our book festival revolutionized itself from a book fest to an underground literacy railroad to get banned book titles to children needing to understand their history and think critically about the world around them. I know our ancestor Malcolm X is proud! We must remember he told us we must help our people by any means necessary. I’m grateful that with a great board and sponsors like Dare Books and NBCI Trust, we could effectively and efficiently live in the truth of that timeless sentiment.”
In addition, to the enlightening lineup of authors, influential speakers, and entertainers, the 3rd annual Malcolm X Bookfest featured a vibrant marketplace where attendees could explore a diverse selection of free books, connect with authors and publishers, engage with community organizations, and support local Black Business at the SOKO Marketplace.
The 3rd Annual Malcolm X Bookfest was a revolutionary event that welcomed many participants. The festival’s inclusive and welcoming environment encouraged dialogue, collaboration, and the sharing of diverse perspectives. As a result, attendees left the event feeling empowered and motivated to champion social change in their communities.
The success of the 3rd Annual Malcolm X Bookfest would not have been possible without the Equity Council Corp. and its commitment to equity and creating a more inclusive and equitable society. For more information about the 3rd Annual Malcolm X Bookfest, including highlights from the event, featured speakers, and upcoming events and programs, please visit www.MalcolmXBookfest.com or stay connected with us on Instagram @maloclmxbookfest to stay informed about future events and how to donate to continue our dissemination of culturally appropriate books to the Central Florida community.
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About Equity Council Corp.: Equity Council Corp. is a nonprofit organization that fights for equity in education and the protection of civil liberties for all disenfranchised, marginalized students and their communities. The Equity Council Corp. promotes equity, social justice, and equal opportunities for all individuals. In addition, the Equity Council Corp. strives to foster inclusive communities, empower marginalized voices, and effect positive change through advocacy, education, and community engagement. For more information, please visit www.equitycouncilcorp.org or on Instagram @equitycouncilcorp.
Press Contact:
Mrs. LaWanda Thompson, M.Ed.
President of The Equity Council Corp.
equitycouncilcorp@gail.com
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OFFICIAL FESTIVAL WEBSITE: WWW.MALCOLMXBOOKFEST.COM