As part of the 20th Annual National African American Read-In, RWC hosted a Read-In here on February 2. The event, which was open to the general public, featured RWC Interim Dean Don O’Meara and UC President Nancy Zimpher, along with several other community dignitaries, reading from books authored by African Americans. In addition, RWC faculty, staff, and students also shared their favorite excerpts. The African American Read-In is a national event held each year for the past 19 years in February. It is sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English Black Caucus division and has been endorsed by the International Reading Association. The purpose is to focus on literacy during Black History month. Read-ins this year were designated to be held in churches on Sunday, February 1, and in schools the following Monday.
Anyone can read or participate by listening. RWC is annually a “community host,” encouraging Cincinnati churches and schools to take part and then tallying the numbers report to be sent to the NCTE.
RWC’s Read-In lasted from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lobby of Muntz Hall.
A free buffet lunch of Southern specialties was also available for people to enjoy while listening to the readers. In addition, there was a book table with selected novels and other items for sale as well as free bibliographies of works by African American authors for those interested.
Helen Kegler, RWC Multicultural Affairs Officer, and Professor Tami Phenix, of the RWC English Department, coordinated the event.