African American Read-In: Get One Under Way!
W
hat, pray tell, is an African American Read-in? Well… it’s the nation’s oldest event dedicated solely to promoting diversity in literature, and encouraging communities to read books by and about African American folks.
And, they’re a great way to push back against the book banning that is eliminating diverse literature from classroom shelves, libraries, and scrubbing it from school curriculums. And, the best time to host one is during Black History Month!
African American Read-ins were envisioned by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English. And, have been a traditional part of Black History Month celebrations since 1990.[1]
Since their inception, they’ve engaged millions of readers worldwide. It promotes diverse voices in literature, as well as fostering a love for reading across age groups and cultures.
Needless to say, Read-ins can revolve around all sorts of the diverse literature being targeted by book banning these days. So, organize an LGBTQIA+ Read-in for June. Or a Hispanic Heritage Read-in during September.
Why Participate In
An African American Read-In?
The main reason to join in an African American Read-In (or any other read-in) is to shine a spotlight on the contributions of (in this case) African American writers, while encouraging a love of reading. And these days, to keep diverse voices in literature alive.
Participants also engage with texts that provide insight into (in this case) Black culture, and the history that contributed to it – which is what book banning is intended to squash. In doing so, they foster a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the works they interact with.
But, it’s also about connection and community. Read-Ins inspire people to come together, share their favorite books, and celebrate the power of storytelling.
How Do You Get Started?
What Does Hosting a Read-in Involve?
Read-ins can take place just about anywhere. From schools, to libraries, to community centers. Or even in your home. Likewise, they can be as simple or elaborate as you want them to be. From bringing a couple friends together to share a book, to organizing a community-wide event at your local library, to arranging public readings and media presentations that feature African American writers.
The format of Read-ins varies widely. A few ideas include:
*Readings by authors
*A common reading of a particular text – like a book club
*Poetry slams
*Perform a play
*Film screenings paired with discussions of related texts
*Book drives to collect books by diverse authors to be shared at community centers
*Awards recognizing African American authors in your community
*And don’t forget… simply reading a book by an African American author
A Few Pieces
Of African American Literature
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brandon Kiely
The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley
And A Few African Americans
Who Have Made Significant Contributions
To American History
Now that you have all the tools you need to put together
a first-rate, A-1, bang-up, African American Read-in,
be sure to get one under way!
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Endnotes:
[1] African American Read-In Toolkit. National Council of Teacher of English. https://ncte.org/get-involved/african-american-read-in-toolkit/
“National African American Read In” Days Of The Year https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/national-african-american-read-in/
Images:
African American Read-In: National Council of Teachers of English https://ncte.org/get-involved/african-american-read-in-toolkit/
Why Participate in an African American Read-in?: Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash
How do you get started?: Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash
A few pieces of African American literature: Photo by César Viteri on Unsplash
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