For immediate release — Feb. 5, 2009
(DALLAS) — “Say it loud: I read and I’m proud!” These words reverberated to the rafters of the Majestic Theater in Dallas last Saturday, Jan. 31, as families and friends celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Dallas County Community College District’s citywide African American Read-In.
A packed house of readers, families, children and friends proclaimed the importance of literacy and the works of African-American authors during the event as each person in the darkened theater heard dramatic readings, witnessed dance and music presentations, and shared memories that marked 10 years of writing, culture and friendship.
DCCCD’s read-in has provided more than 50,000 books to participants during the past 10 years.
The beat that began on stage continues throughout February as read-in founder and organizer Carla Ranger challenges individuals, families and communities to join the read-in chain during Black History Month.
“We challenge you to join us by reading for at least 20 minutes each day, throughout the month of February,” says Ranger, who is district director of DCCCD’s office of educational partnerships. “We guarantee it will make you a stronger reader, too!”
She adds, “We also challenge you to take the process one step further along the literacy path by hosting your own read-in — whether it’s with your family members, neighbors on your street, co-workers in your office, or with larger groups in your community or at your church. Pass the word and open a book — literacy benefits everyone!”
Follow these steps to host your own read-in, and then report the results to Ranger:
- Invite guests to your read-in, and ask each one to bring a story, poem, essay or book to the event.
- Invite your volunteer participants to read aloud for each other (about 3 to 5 minutes each), so that everyone can listen to and enjoy the selections.
- Ask readers to talk briefly about their selections; others may comment as well.
- Or read silently together for 30 minutes and then talk about what you read.
- Host your read-in at a friendly, convenient place (at home, school, church or a recreation center, for example) or anywhere you can gather family and friends.
- Let DCCCD African American Read-In organizers know about your own event — how many people attended, when and where you held the read-in, and any other fun facts you would like to share. Call (214) 378-1723 with the details; for additional information, visit http://www.readin.dcccd.edu.
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This year’s featured read-in guests were author and motivational speaker Lisa Nichols, who appeared during the sixth read-in, and Dallas resident and actress Irma P. Hall, who participated in the second read-in. Both headliners delivered readings during the program’s original production, “Say It Loud: ‘I Read and I’m Proud,’” written by Anyika McMillan-Herod and directed by Monique Ridge-Williams. Richard Glaubman, who participated in the first read-in with the event’s literacy hero, George Dawson, also shared some passages from a new book about his friendship with Mr. Dawson.
The DCCCD African American Read-In in Dallas is the largest event of its kind in the United States and serves as a national model that others have followed. The Dallas African American Read-In also has promoted community-based read-ins that have reached thousands of additional readers. In 2005, for example, more than 35,000 Dallas-linked readers (students, organizations, families, book clubs and others) staged additional read-ins; the Dallas citywide goal is 10,000 participants each year.
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 people who have participated in read-ins held across the country.
Photo: Carla Ranger (front, right) celebrates the conclusion of the 2009 citywide DCCCD African American Read-In with performers and readers at the end of the show. Photo by Dave Tyler Photography.
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Press contact: Ann Hatch
214-378-1819; ahatch@dcccd.edu