Sonnet for the Banned
The CBC is proud to partner with 4th-grade teacher and spoken word artist Toney Jackson. Toney has written an original sonnet in support of libraries and librarians, and he has also given us permission to share with the world a reading of his sonnet.
You can see and hear Toney reading his powerful sonnet on these CBC platforms:
Sonnet for the Banned, by Toney Jackson
I pull up to the library with my
Army of speakers. We plug ourselves in
We pack the power to face and defy
attempts to silence our voices or pens
You see these instruments play notes of change
We beat riotous rhythms with our drums
We resist the attempts to keep us caged
And claim the right to say what is to come
This building is a hard rock house of blues
It holds these words that we hold essential
They seek to quiet and whitewash our hues
Remove the holiness from our temple
Speakers, turn your volume way up and stand
Band together in defense of the banned
Follow #RightToReadDay on social media to see more!
Toney Jackson is a 4th-grade teacher and teaching artist from Hackensack, NJ. He is an author/illustrator, songwriter, and poet who brings his passion & love for learning into the classroom. Toney also works as an educational consultant and speaker, sharing with crowds of educators across the world. Central to Toney’s work and art is a commitment to justice and the love of learning.
Toney will also be featured on a Get Caught Reading poster this month!
