George M. Johnson

In this conversation, George M. Johnson, an award-winning nonbinary author known for their poignant works on Black and queer representation, sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of queer Black artists during the Harlem Renaissance. The discussion dives into the vibrant lives of icons like Josephine Baker and Langston Hughes, exploring their dual legacies in activism and artistry. Johnson emphasizes the significance of cultural visibility and the need to reclaim historical narratives, inspiring a deeper understanding of identity and social change through creative expression.

Books are being banned from schools and public libraries at alarming rates, and stories from LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC authors are disproportionately being pulled from shelves. How do book bans harm learning and access to information? What do these challenges say about the American educational system? Deborah Caldwell-Stone, Director of the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom and George M. Johnson, author of the widely challenged book “All Boys Aren’t Blue'' join host Roy Wood Jr. to break down where these book bans are coming from, the political ideology behind them, and how these banned books can help young readers understand complex issues. Beyond The Scenes is a podcast from The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. Check out more episodes wherever you get your podcasts or YouTube.com/TheDailyShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices