Unbound: ‘Freedom to Read’ Event Aims to Celebrate Black Voices, Community

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

As conversations surrounding book bans and the preservation of Black history continue across the country, the Black Contractors Association of Alabama Chapter (BCAAC) is inviting the Birmingham community to gather for an evening centered on literature, culture and conversation.

The organization’s inaugural Unbound: Freedom to Read event will take place Friday, July 10, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Innovation Depot, bringing together local artists, musicians, community leaders and residents to celebrate the importance of protecting Black stories and ensuring those voices continue to be heard.

Hosted by Lady Woo with music by DJ Chocolate, the event will feature spoken word performances, live entertainment by vocalist Deirdre Gaddis and saxophonist Pedro Moore, light hors d’oeuvres, networking opportunities and one complimentary drink ticket included with each admission. Tickets are $25 and are available through the Banned Books Tour website.

For BCAAC President Jarrod Sims, the event represents far more than an evening of entertainment.

“We don’t just build buildings,” Sims said. “We build communities. We build opportunities.”

Community engagement has always been one of the organization’s core missions, Sims added. While the association advocates for Black contractors and construction professionals throughout the state, he believes its responsibility extends beyond the construction industry.

“We are intentional about being a part of the community,” he said. “Whether it be supporting local businesses or other nonprofits that are doing work.”

That commitment led to the creation of Unbound: Freedom to Read after a conversation among the organization’s executive leadership.

With book challenges and bans increasing nationwide, Sims said members recognized an opportunity to contribute to a broader conversation about preserving Black history, culture and contributions.

“With the climate that we have here in the United States, with the banning of books and trying to basically nullify our contributions, we saw this as another opportunity to be a part of the community, engage the community and raise our voices,” he said.

Sims also sees parallels between efforts to suppress Black literature and the historical challenges Black professionals — including contractors and builders — have faced in gaining visibility and recognition.

“It’s consistent with some of the efforts with respect to Black construction professionals,” he said. “At the end of the day, we wanted to be part of raising our voices.”

While the evening will feature music and spoken word performances, organizers also hope attendees leave with a renewed appreciation for those who have spent years advocating for civil rights and educational equity.

Among those expected to be recognized are community leaders who have long championed social justice and civic engagement, including Dr. R.L. Patterson, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s Metro Birmingham chapter, and Dr. Martha Bouyer, Executive Director of the Historic Bethel Baptist Church Community Restoration Fund.

“We’re going to celebrate folks who have already understood the importance of raising their voices,” Sims said. “It’s about celebrating people in our community who have stood up before us.”

Organizers hope the event encourages meaningful conversations while creating space for residents from all backgrounds to connect.

“We just want the community to come out,” Sims said. “This is an opportunity for us to come together as a community, raise our voices, talk through a few things that are pressing and be part of a movement that helps make sure our stories are told.”

Beyond attending, Sims said residents interested in supporting the initiative as a sponsor. “It is perfect for small businesses and entrepreneurs and community organizations looking to support the movement,” said Sims. “You can help to expand the impact of the banned books tour while giving your brand the premium visibility.”

He also encouraged individuals who have ideas, resources or information they believe would benefit the community to reach out about becoming involved.

“We certainly want to hear from them,” he said.

Although Unbound: Freedom to Read is a new event, Sims hopes it serves as the beginning of continued conversations surrounding literacy, representation and community engagement.

“Our concern is simply bringing people together,” he said. “Bring somebody with you. Let’s celebrate our voices and continue telling our stories.”

If You Go

What: Unbound: Freedom to Read
When: Friday, July 10, 4–8 p.m.
Where: Innovation Depot, 1500 First Ave. N., Birmingham
Admission: $25 (includes one complimentary drink ticket)
Features: Spoken word, live music, networking, light hors d’oeuvres and community recognition
Hosted by: Lady Woo
Music by: DJ Chocolate
Performances by: Deirdre Gaddis and saxophonist Pedro Moore

Tickets are available at bannedbookstour.com/event/unbound-freedom-to-read/. Additional information is available through the organization’s Facebook and Instagram pages.