At yesterday's opening breakfast, ABA CEO Allison Hill greeted booksellers and spoke eloquently about the current "weight of the world"; the importance of diversity, equity, the freedom to read, free expression; and celebrating booksellers' "tremendously valuable work." She said in part:
"We appreciate you being here and we truly hope this week is a break from the daily pressures of running your business and from the weight of the world.
"I need to take a moment to acknowledge that weight. I know many people have been feeling it, and I specifically want to acknowledge the siege that many in this room have been under this past month of daily proclamations and orders that attempt to erase or undermine you and your voices or the work that you do as booksellers, authors, and publishers. ABA stands with you. We will continue to champion diversity and equity in this industry, and to fight for the right to read and the right to freedom of expression.
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| Allison Hill | |
"This week is about celebrating all books and authors--Black, Indigenous, AAPI, Latino, Latina, Latinx, Hispanic, LGBQ, 2S+, Trans, nonbinary--white, straight, and cis. All books. Because great books are by everyone and they should be for everyone.
"Our goal this week is to celebrate--because we need a little celebration right now--and to also offer you support for your work as booksellers with nuts and bolts, financial, and education sessions; energizing programming and networking; and opportunities to meet with business partners and publishers. We also want to support you as people. Note the 30-minute breaks between sessions this year, the quiet room, the meditation and interfaith prayer room, affinity meet-ups, and the many opportunities for connection and community.
"Everyone in this room knows that authors and illustrators spin the world's pain and joy and fear and love into gold. As booksellers, you are the keepers of this treasure, helping readers discover gold and enrich their lives. May this week remind all how tremendously valuable your work is--especially right now--and may it remind you how deeply grateful we are for all of you."