National African American Read-In Chain

Muskegon Community College will participate in the NCTE-sponsored National African American Read-In Chain during Black History Month.  The theme this year is “It is important FOR ALL OF US to see ourselves in books.”

The format for the Read-In is simple:  interested colleagues, students, and co-workers come together to read aloud from a piece of African American literature which you find moving.  Short pieces or brief excerpts from longer works are optimal, preferably with a reading time of between a minute or two and not longer than five minutes.   Fiction, poetry, song lyrics and expository writing (all genres) are welcome.

When the Black Caucus of the NCTE first began the Read-In in 1990, it was featured as a political act, and that intent continues.  We gather to raise our voices aloud, promoting literacy, sharing stories that were historically overlooked, and celebrating the beauty of this body of work.  After the Read-In, a report will be submitted to the Caucus with the College’s numbers; we will be counted among the more than 6-million readers who have participated since the inaugural event some 25 years ago.

Please announce the Read-In to your students and reinforce its value through discussion.  If you can encourage their involvement and get a head count of possible participants, please inform Theresa Kanoza by Friday, February 16th. Contact her at theresa.kanoza@muskegoncc.edu with questions or suggestions.