IN THIS FORUM

Moderator

The Honorable Judge Charles E. Williams (12th Judicial Circuit) was raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, graduated from Howard University and the University of Florida School of Law. He serves on the Board of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, the Boxser Diversity Initiative, the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, and many other local organizations. He was awarded the Community Service Award from the Manatee Bar Association, the Manatee County NAACP-Public Service Award, and the 15th Annual Edgar H. Price, Jr. Humanitarian Award.

Panelists

Sarabeth Kalajian previously served as Sarasota County Director of Libraries and Historical Resources. Relevant to the Bad Books performance and discussion, Sarabeth chaired the Intellectual Freedom Caucus of the Florida Library Association to assist librarians in navigating book challenges. The Caucus also collaborated with the American Library Association to document potential threats to the freedom to read. Prior to working in public libraries, she was a news journalist. Sarabeth recognizes a kinship between journalists and librarians, who seek to provide resources that equip people to make informed decisions.

Dr. Keri Downs, a licensed clinical psychologist at Davenport Psychology in Sarasota, FL, earned her bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and her Doctorate in Psychology from Roosevelt University. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families facing anxiety, trauma, and behavioral challenges. Dr. Downs employs strengths-based, relationship-driven, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. With expertise in sports psychology, TF-CBT, and behavioral therapy, she provides therapy, parent support, and comprehensive psychological evaluations tailored to individual needs.

Bryn Durgin is a writer and humorist based in Sarasota, FL. A frequent contributor to The New Yorker, her work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times. She is the Director of Programming at Bookstore1, where she leads the popular Banned Book Club. A certified Master Gardener and volunteer with the Blue Butterfly Family Grief Program, she is also a Featured Storyteller with The Moth's Mainstage. Find her on Instagram at @brynreadsbooks.