Revalation Vineyards attracted book enthusiasts from throughout the region recently for the 2nd Annual “No Book Left Behind: Celebrating our Freedom to Read” event.
The festival in Madison County, coinciding with Banned Books Week, included presentations focused on the importance of literature and the freedom to read, along with several pop-up shops and exhibits.
Writers, librarians, teachers, professors, tutors, book sellers, artists, students, and civic organization representatives all attended the family-friendly event, held from noon to 5 pm. on Sunday Sept. 29, according to a release from an event organizer, Cynthia Taylor, also with Culpeper Branch NAACP. Madison County School Board members were invited to attend, but did not, Taylor said.
Local authors Susie McKenna of Charlottesville and Devlyn D’Alfonzo of Madison, along with Heather Griffin, owner of Hundred Acre Books in Culpeper, opened the festival. Moderated by Fran Roebuck, long-time librarian at the Madison County Public Library, the panel explored the writing process, impact of reading from an early age, and concerns about book banning and censorship.
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The second session featured Dr. Gaila Sims, vice president of programs and interpretation at the Fredericksburg Area Museum. Sims reviewed the importance of literature in her work as a museum curator, particularly in the area of African American history. She introduced the audience to several Black women writers and depictions of slavery in their novels.
The final session celebrated the work of James Baldwin as the nation commemorates the 100th anniversary of his birth in Harlem.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers and thinkers, Baldwin’s work continues to have an enduring impact today, according to Dr. Kevin Gaines, who, along with Sims, facilitated the panel discussion.
Gaines, the Julian Bond Professor of Civil Rights and Social Justice at the University of Virginia, has taught the work of Baldwin in several university classes and spoke of him as “a significant voice of the Civil Rights movement.”
As part of the Baldwin session, three panelists read Baldwin’s acclaimed letter to his nephew, “My Dungeon Shook,” first published in 1962, a writing banned by the Madison County School Board.
Culpeper Branch NAACP President Kaleb Hackley with Vice President Jason Ford, and Ashton Morse, director of community response with Encompass Community Supports and a founding board member of Culpeper Pride, read the letter and participated in an hour-long discussion and analysis that followed.
Gaines noted Baldwin’s letter acknowledges that in the 1960s racism persisted not only in the South, but throughout the country. Gaines, Sims, the readers, and audience members all responded with surprise to the Madison County School Board’s assertion that the letter “did not reflect a love of country,” which led to its banning from the high school curriculum.
Hackley stated the judgment reflected a position that was “painfully unaware” of the experience of Black Americans, and that nowhere in the letter did Baldwin condemn America—rather he spoke of love and patience.
“The charge that this text does not reflect a love of country is completely false,” added Gaines. “He’s envisioning a future in which White people will understand their history and see the common humanity of Black people and renounce racism. He’s imagining a solidarity between Blacks and Whites that is absolutely crucial to his idea of achieving our country.”
“I find [the idea] baffling that to understand Black history, to learn about Black history, to acknowledge the violence that is inherent in this country is to not love this country,” noted Sims. “I majored in American history, I love American history, and I love this country, but I also know about the violence, and I feel it’s a privilege to share that history. The pain is part of our history, our reality.”
“The conversation that James Baldwin is having with his nephew through this letter is the same conversation that I have had with my father and grandfather,” said Hackley. “It’s very real and current.”
“This situation brings up a question of patriotism right now,” added Mary Ellen Turner, an audience member. “What defines a love of country today?”
Gaines added: “I guess you could say that in banning this work, the school board, or those people responsible, are against reconciliation. They’re against Black history. They are against putting Black history and Black realities in front of students.”
When asked why Baldwin’s work is so enduring and impactful, panelists credited his insights and skills as a writer.
“Baldwin endures because he’s able to tell hard truths,” said Gaines. “This letter was addressed to his nephew but he’s really addressing White America. He’s very committed to that dialog across the racial divide. He tells hard truths but he’s very hopeful.”
Sims noted that while Baldwin has primarily been known as a novelist, his letters and essays are widely read today. Hackley added that “Baldwin’s words came from a place of love,” and wanted something better for the nation.
“Reconciliation means being open to a conversation,” Gaines commented. “It means being open to growth.”
“Reconciliation requires radical empathy,” added Hackley. “And it requires committed action toward that empathy.”
Revalation Vineyards co-owner Francoise Seillier-Moiseiwitsch said they were honored that writers, scholars, and representatives from civic organizations participated in the festival.
“They made the event insightful and very enjoyable,” she said.
Supporting organizations were Madison Literacy Council, Madison Public Library, Culpeper Pride, MADSafe, NAACP Culpeper, Hundred Acre Books, and Sidney Morgan Crafts. A third book festival is slated for October 2025.
Richard Horner: 540/825-0773
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