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July 18, 2026 | Waterloo West High School | Waterloo, Iowa

1619 Freedom School Read-In

About the Event

 

We read banned books.

Join award-winning, #1 New York Times-bestselling authors Jason Reynolds, Angie Thomas, and Renée Watson and 1619 Freedom School founder, Pulitzer Prize-winner and Waterloo native Nikole Hannah-Jones on July 18 at Waterloo West High School for the free public event.

Their books have been challenged and removed from school libraries across the country, including in Iowa. We'll be reading them out loud.

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Featuring

Nikole Hannah-Jones

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Author of "Born on the Water"

Jason Reynolds

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Author of "Ghost"

Angie Thomas

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Author of "The Hate U Give"

Renée Watson

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Author of "Ways to Make Sunshine"

Date: July 18, 2026

Location: Waterloo West High School Kersenbrock Auditorium

Time: Doors open at 10:30 am. Program begins at 11 am. 

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Featuring:

  • Author readings

  • Author Q&A with 1619 Freedom School Scholars

  • Book signing

  • Book giveaways

  • Snacks

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Our Clients

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Thank You to Our Sponsors

Liberation Sponsor W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Freedom Champion Dahlstrom Family

Scholar Champion Macmillan Publishers

Sponsor the Read-In

The 1619 Freedom School Read-In is made possible by the generosity of sponsors, partners, and community supporters who believe in the power of literacy to transform lives.

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JOIN US

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Whether you come as a reader, a sponsor, or a supporter, there is a place for you at the 1619 Freedom School Read-In.

 

Follow us on social media and join the conversation: #LiberationThroughLiteracy | #1619ReadIn

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