A Discussion through the Lens of Literature

Join the Charlotte Ideas Festival for a panel discussion on the literature in society today at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.

Should classic texts be rewritten for modern audiences? Is it censorship when words in books like ‘Huckleberry Finn’ or ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ are changed or removed in new editions? How do we balance the author’s intent with concerns about diversity and inclusion? Who decides? What's at stake?

Be a part of this critical and timely conversation with our panelists!

Paul Reali is a writer, author, editor, and supporter of the literary arts. Paul is the founder and principal of OmniSkills, LLC, which specializes in teaching creative thinking in business; as well as co-founder of Charlotte Center for Literary Arts, Inc. (Charlotte Lit), a nonprofit dedicated to building community through literature.

Janaka Lewis is Associate Professor of English and Director of Women's and Gender Studies Program at UNC Charlotte, where she teaches courses on early African American literature.

Patricia Childress is an Associate Professor at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, where she teaches courses in Literature, Food Writing, and Mythology.

Mark I. West is a Professor of English at UNC Charlotte, where he teaches courses on children's and young adult literature. He has written or edited 16 books, and his articles have appeared in many national publications and academic journals.