Jan. 16, 2004

(Dallas) - Celebrating learning and literacy has been the driving force behind the citywide African American Read-In presented by the Dallas County Community College District. The event's fifth anniversary will bring reading, family, community, history and relationships together on Sun., Feb. 8, when the program will feature current and former community leaders, celebrities, authors and literacy champions at the Majestic Theatre from 3 to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public; however, seating is limited and fills early because parents, children and friends traditionally flock to the show.

"We are so excited to share the celebration of our fifth anniversary for the DCCCD African American Read-In. It's a special day for those of us who planted the seed a number of years ago and have seen literacy efforts branch out across Dallas to businesses, schools, churches and beyond," said Carla Ranger, executive director of DCCCD's office of educational partnerships and founder of the Dallas African American Read-In.

Ranger added, "What started out as a one-time, citywide event has grown into a highly anticipated annual program. DCCCD and all of our sponsors are pleased to present an exciting program, and we encourage schools, organizations and families to hold their own read-ins throughout February to support literacy, to learn and to teach others about African-American writers. The project supports all of these month long activities."

Guest readers and an original play written and directed by local artists are highlights of the read-in program. AncesTREE: African Roots, American Branches will take audience members on a journey that features African-American literature; the play was written by Anyika McMillan-Herod and will be directed by Monique Ridge-Williams. A host of celebrities will read works by Glynn Turman, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Mary McLeod Bethune, Claude McKay, Lone Wolf, Keith Price, Frances Harper, Hugh Morgan, Linda Goss and Brother Blue.

Appearances have been confirmed for actor, director and author Glynn Turman, formerly of television's A Different World and the movie cult classic Cooley High, among many DCCCD African American Read-In's 5th Anniversary shows and films; and actor Anna Maria Horsford, known on television for her role as the reverend's daughter "Thelma" on Amen, among a host of television, film and stage credits. Both actors will read during the program.

The performance also will include appearances by New Arts Six, Percussion Things, Ollympaxqui, Keith Price, Ayubu Kamau African Dance Company, Pam and Omar Angeles, Audrey McClure, Victoria Mangram, Catherine Whiteman, Brent Nance, Joseph Jammer, Sherterrica Blackwell, Dr. Njoki McElroy, Christopher Whiteman, Princess Kamilyah, Jonathan Hook, Wil Orakpo with Consuela Holmes, Noni Thomas and Maya Lewis. The master of ceremonies will be WFAA-TV's Greg Fields.

AncesTREE: African Roots, American Branches will highlight, explore and celebrate literature of the African Diaspora, a dynamic piece that uses the music and dance of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean to bring to life the poetry and prose of local, national and international writers. McMillan-Herod and Ridge-Williams again will entertain and educate read-in participants with an original work that features a talented inter generational and intercultural group of actors, readers, dancers, singers and musicians who will bring works to life "from the page to the stage."

Audience members will receive free T-shirts, canvas bags, books and other program souvenirs. "The real treasure they will take with them, however, will be the words - both written and spoken - shared by authors, readers, artists and actors, plus friendships that grow each year as a result of the read-in," said Ranger. "DCCCD's African American Read-In is an extravaganza of talent, culture and community."

The idea for an African American Read-In originated with Dr. Jerrie Scott, faculty member at the University of Memphis and a member of the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English. The event's purpose is to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. Since 2000, the caucus has documented a cumulative total of more than 1 million persons who have participated in read-ins held across the United States. More than 14,000 participants were tracked during the 2003 Dallas read-in. The annual local goal is 10,000, according to Ranger, who organized DCCCD's first read-in in 1990 at Eastfield College. By 1995, the program was promoted district wide.

Event sponsors for the read-in (which DCCCD has presented each of the program's five years) include the Dallas Morning News; WFAA-TV; American Airlines; K104FM, KRNB-FM, KKDA-AM; Dallas Weekly; Scholastic; Holt Rinehart Winston; City of Dallas office of cultural affairs; State Farm; Pro-Line International; Black Images Book Bazaar; Jokae's African American Books; NtheKnow.com; Millennium Motors; Dr. Pepper/Seven-Up Inc. Literacy partners are Dallas READS and Dallas Public Library.

Adults, families and children age 8 or older are invited. Visit www.readin.dcccd.edu for details; or call Ranger at 214.860.2005 or Allison Neal at 214.616.2965.