Bridging the Deep Divide: Fighting censorship, preserving culture

['Dr. Stacy R. Owens', '.Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Coauthors.Is-Layout-Flow', 'Class', 'Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus', 'Display Inline', '.Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar', 'Where Img', 'Height Auto Max-Width', 'Vertical-Align Bottom .Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Coauthors.Is-Layout-Flow .Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar', 'Vertical-Align Middle .Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar Is .Alignleft .Alignright'] St. Louis American 2025-09-23 23:00:00

Regardless of ideology or political beliefs, banning books is censorship. Although I am not a native of St. Louis, I am well aware of the landmark case that originated in St. Louis: The Dred Scott decision. In St. Louis and across the nation, these bans intersect with issues of race, representation and marginalization of certain voices. The motives behind banning “woke” books ultimately serve to deepen racial divides in St. Louis and in cities across the country. Only then can we begin to lessen this “Deep Divide” and move toward an equitable and united St. Louis.