Dallas ISD will host the district’s annual African American Read-in on Friday, Feb. 26, continuing a decades-long tradition of encouraging young people to read and promoting diversity in literature while spotlighting the work of African American authors.
The read-in, presented by the district’s Racial Equity Office and Teaching and Learning division, will be virtual this year and will consist of two events: a Zoom session from 9 a.m.-noon for all K-12 students, followed by a community session that is open for parent participation from 3:30-5 p.m.
“The African American Read-In is the nation’s first and oldest event that is dedicated to diversity in literature,” said Sharon Quinn, deputy chief for the district’s Office of Racial Equity. “Dallas ISD has hosted the African American Read-in for decades and is very excited about this year’s virtual event. The virtual platform has allowed us to reach more students districtwide as well as expose students to well-renowned authors from across the country.
“This year’s theme is “I Matter, We Matter, Words Matter,” Quinn added, “and we are looking forward to celebrating the uplifting stories of the Black authors who will discuss self-love, black joy, pride, and an appreciation for the uniqueness of African American culture.”
This year’s read-in, the culmination of the district’s “I Matter, We Matter, Words Matter” diversity in literature initiative for students, will feature well-known authors including Nic Stone, Derrick Barnes, Jewell Parker Rhodes and Christopher Paul Curtis, among others.
Sessions will consist of poets performing original works, authors, storytellers and live song and dance performances in addition to parent workshops and giveaways.
Event sponsors include the Dallas Mavericks, KPMG, Follett, Teacher Created Materials, Achieve 3000, Lakeshore, Newsela, and Dr. Michele Bobadilla.
For more information, and to register for the sessions, visit www.dallasisd.org/readinday.
