Rural Assembly Everywhere recorded sessions posted; see sessions on book bans, food security and more

The annual Rural Assembly Everywhere convention was held virtually on May 10-11. If you missed it, not to worry: playbacks are now available. Click here to watch them.

Here's some of what you'll see:

• A discussion on book bans and intellectual freedom, featuring residents of McMinn County, Tenn. The community was thrust into the national spotlight after its school district banned the graphic novel "Maus."
• Remarks from Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.
• Remarks from Agriculture Department Undersecretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small.
• Small farmers discussing food democratization.
• A discussion about apprenticeship opportunities for rural and Native American youth.
• Nonprofit Welcoming America hosting a conversation on building welcoming communities. The discussion will feature three female leaders from diverse backgrounds in Nebraska who will share their journeys to "build stronger connections between immigrant and non-immigrant communities, fight against divisive rhetoric, and ensure that inclusive policy is the norm in their communities."
• YouTube social and political commentator Justin King of "Beau of the Fifth Column."
• Neema Avashia, author of "Another Appalachia: Growing up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place."

The Rural Assembly and The Daily Yonder are programs of The Center for Rural Strategies, which calls the Assembly "a nationwide movement striving to build better policy and more opportunity for rural communities across the country." Click here for details.