School of Education Celebrates Black History Month with the 14th Annual African American Read-In
Area high school students joined IU students and faculty at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center for the event
The celebration of Black History Month at the School of Education kicked off with the 14th Annual African American Read-In. Area high school students joined IU students and faculty at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center for the event sponsored by the School of Education, IU Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs (OVPDEMA), and the IU Department of Literacy, Culture and Language Education.
Dr. Stephanie Power-Carter of the School of Education organized IU’s first African American Read-In in 2002. The annual event is held in conjunction with the National African American Read-In on the first Monday of February. "The African American Read-In serves as a unifying space to educate our youth about the contributions of Black writers," said Power-Carter. "It also provides youth in our community an opportunity to share their writings about the Black experience in America. 14 years strong, it is a powerful space of diverse voices and experiences."
Students are invited to share a literary work from a favorite African American author as well as sharing an original work of their own. School of Education Dean Terry Mason was on hand to share an excerpt from one of his favorite books "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Bloomington North junior Kim Smith's improvisational piece brought the audience to its feet for a rousing ovation.
Among the students participating was Bloomington North junior Kim Smith, who shared an improvisational piece that she developed from personal experiences. "I want people to appreciate the uniqueness of each African American," said Smith who was encouraged by her teachers to participate, although she says she doesn’t like to speak in public. Her speech titled "Slavery Ended Over 200 Years Ago" brought the audience to its feet for a rousing ovation.
Read-ins were also held for younger students. School of Education students and faculty provided books and read to first, second and third graders at Fairview and University Elementary schools in Bloomington.
Other events:
- See the IU African American Choral Ensemble fill Wright Education Building with song! View video »
- Learn more about the Community Literacy Intervention Program (CLIP) that supports events such as the African-American Read-In and the Social Graces leadership and etiquette program.
School of Education Dean Terry Mason was on hand to share an excerpt from one of his favorite books “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates.