Author George M. Johnson discusses the growing trend of book banning. // Photo courtesy of Giovanni Salsa.

Hofstra University’s 20th annual Great Writers, Great Readings series hosted George M. Johnson, the author of the second most banned book in the country, “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The United States has witnessed a staggering, nationwide height of the banning of books within schools and libraries over the last few years. Johnson expressed that school boards and politicians have advocated for the banning of books in order for families to have a say over what their children read. However, Johnson stated that there is a correlation between the banning of certain books and a conservative agenda of maintaining a curriculum without diversity.

“All Boys Aren’t Blue” is a memoir manifesto that was released during the beginning of the pandemic in April 2020. The book deals with the trials and tribulations of growing up as a Black person also in the queer community. Johnson recounts their life growing up “different” and tells a very personal and brutal story about trying to find their identity in the book. Johnson explained that the motive for them to write this story was in hopes that it would help someone who is going through the same thing that they went through.

Growing up, Johnson did not have an outlet that allowed them to figure out who they were and how to achieve a realization of their identity. Johnson hopes that this book is at the very least a starting point for anyone who may need it to help guide them through similar experiences.

Johnson spoke about the influence of their book and the effect it has had on those who needed it the most. Johnson stated that the book has helped many gain the courage to name their abusers, legally change their names to one they prefer as opposed to ones given at birth, and generally give an outlet in which people can explore who they are and see that others go through the same struggles they do.

“I thought that the event was very informative and an important conversation to be having,” said Hayley Kastner, a junior television and business major. “Banning books is the silencing of voices and it is unjust.”

“I liked hearing about how they became a writer and why they write what they do, especially how they write, what they think young readers might need to hear and not just what they are comfortable writing about,” said Blake Dunckley, a junior English major.

During the event, Johnson spoke out about why they don’t like to use the word “allyship” when referring to people who want to help the oppressed minority. They said that the word “ally” implies a mutual benefit in which the oppressed don’t have much to give.

“I prefer to use these three terms: advocate, accomplice and assassin,” Johnson said. “You want somebody to be there to speak on your behalf. You want somebody right there by your side. And you also need someone who’s willing to step in and take some blows for you so you can catch your breath and join the fight later.”

George M. Johnson will continue to fight for banned books to be put back on shelves in schools and libraries, saying that students who may be going through what they went through need these outlets in order to know their worth and not feel alone in the world.