This year’s African American Read-In–presented by the T. Thomas Fortune Foundation & Cultural Center and Red Bank Public Library–will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the library!
The Read-In will begin at 11:00AM in the library’s Meeting Room and kick off with opening remarks from Gilda Rogers, Executive Director of TTFCC.
Following that, Fortune Tellers–a youth group designed to inspire and empower future generations through history, art, and culture–will bring history to life by serving as our first readers of the day. Then, members of the audience are invited to participate in the Read-In, selecting their own piece to read aloud, or choosing from the provided works by African American authors.
Interested readers are encouraged to sign up to reserve a slot, but are not required. Drop-in readers are welcome!
Everyone is welcome to participate as we bring the Red Bank community together to celebrate and highlight African American literature and voices.
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The National African American Read-In (AARI) is a groundbreaking effort to encourage communities to read together, centering around African American books and authors.
It was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. This initiative has reached more than 6 million participants around the world.
African American Read-In takes place during February. This month, schools, bookshops, libraries, churches, community and professional groups, and interested people are encouraged to arrange an African American Read-In as part of Black History Month.
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When we celebrate National African American Read-In, we celebrate the contributions of all African American writers, while encouraging a love for reading. Whether you read or listen, when you celebrate AARI, you’re engaging with texts that provide insight into Black culture, history, and perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of these works.
The African American Read-In is also about community and connection. It offers a platform for people to come together, share their favorite books, and celebrate the power of storytelling.
We hope this celebration demonstrates the value of diverse voices in the literary world and helps to cultivate your love of literature.
We want all attendees to feel inspired and educated after joining us.
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Join us in person at the Read-In on Saturday, 2/22!
Sign up to read. Audience members are encouraged to participate in the Read-In. You can read a poem, children’s book, piece of prose, or even music lyrics. We just ask that you read an African American or Black author.