The University Library at CSU Stanislaus worked along side the Warrior Cross Cultural Center (WCCC) to piece together the Black History Month exhibit located on the 2nd floor of the J. Burton Vasche Library this month. 
The exhibit is made up of various books, documents, and imagery that details black history. 
Laura Paz-Huerta is an administrative support coordinator at the WCCC.
“It’s a wonderful way to showcase African American folks who had a lot to do with our country,” she said. 
Theo Alvarez (junior, Biology) thought it was really informative.
“I really love the books they put in there because I love reading and that’s how I consume media,” he said. 
Alvarez went on to reference a number of banned books that were included in the display, saying that people should be entitled to their opinion and the banning of these books was out of fear of others.
The exhibit showcases various Black figures throughout history. George Washington Carver, Opal Lee, and the creator of the Junteenth Flag, Ben Haith, are some of the Black historical figures represented in the display.
Leaflets, photos, and other documents are on display for all to see and are part of publications from the National Park Service. Martin Luther King Jr., and the African American Civil War Memorial were among some of the subjects covered in these publications.
The exhibit contains a multitude of banned books that were written by Black authors. Books that were written by the likes of Michelle Obama, Denzel Washington, and Maya Angelou. 
Paz-Huerta said that she thinks it’s important to share that Stan State has these books in our library and at the Social Justice library inside the WCCC because anyone interested in them has the ability to check them out for 30 days at a time.
She continues this by saying these books tell the history of our country and everyone should have the opportunity to read them. 
Tanner Lewey, a Stan State outreach librarian said that when they were making the display they wanted to include books that students could physically check out or get access to through interlibrary loan.
“We had some books that the Warrior Cross Cultural Center already had that they wanted to include like ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue’,” she said. 
A list of these titles can be found online or in the display case in the form of a QR code, she explained.  
“Being at an academic library, where i’ve always worked, we’re super passionate about intellectual freedom,” Lewey said.
She believes that students, faculty, and everyone in the community should be able to access these titles, whether for pleasure or research.
The banned books on display are available to be checked out through the  University Library and more information on Black History Month can be found here.