Community & Conversation during Black History Month

On Saturday, February 22, we invited the Red Bank community to celebrate and highlight African American literature and voices at Red Bank’s National African American Read-In.

The National African American Read-In (AARI) is a groundbreaking effort to encourage communities to read together, centering around African American books and authors. This year, our Let’s Talk About Race committee partnered with T. Thomas Fortune Foundation & Cultural Center (TTFFCC) to host AARI at the Red Bank Public Library.

With more than 20 attendees in our Meeting Room, the Read-In began with a welcome and introduction from Library Assistant Claire, who shared more about AARI. Then, Fortune Tellers kicked off public participation with two powerful poems, reading Let America be America and Still I Rise.

After, audience members were welcome to read passages, poems, children’s book, even lyrics from a Black author. To everyone’s delight, our first reader was a young reader, Reza, who happily read the first chapter from one of his favorite books, Stunt Boy, in the Meantime. Following this, adult patron James delivered a strong and heartfelt reading of Malcolm X, bringing more than one audience member to tears.

Our afternoon continued with familiar faces in the Red Bank community, such as Lynn Humphrey, archivist at TTFFCC; Gilda Rogers, executive director of TTFFCC; and Sid Bernstein, co-founder of Citizens for a Diverse and Open Society.

As fellow co-founder of the Citizens for a Diverse and Open Society, Gilda reiterated why programs like AARI are so important, “Everyone’s history is a precious gift.”

Readings continued with a mix of materials, from a passage written 90 years ago to two children’s books to the lyrics of Winter in America, a 1974 song.

Don’t judge a book by it’s cover

Patty Whyte, volunteer chair of Let’s Talk About Race, was one who chose to read a children’s book.

Anansi the spider: a tale from the Ashanti is a folklore story that originates in West Africa. Despite being a children’s book, Patty’s choice had “deep lessons that some of us adults need to hear.”

“I find the African American Read-In event a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the many expressions of storytelling, from prose to poetry to song. I always learn something new at these events and I’m looking forward to next year’s Read-In!”
— Patty Whyte, volunteer chair of LTAR

Throughout the program, patrons chatted about reads and recommendations, including ways of using RBPL and TTFFCC to dive deeper in Black history—beyond February.

Wrapping up Black History Month at RBPL

Just because February is ending, doesn’t mean we stop highlighting diverse voices and stories. In the words of author N.K. Jemisin, How Long 'til Black Future Month?

  • Explore more with your library card at redbanklibrary.org/24-hour-library

    • Watch documentaries, indies, blockbusters, and cinematic stories about African American experiences; check out movies made by Black filmmakers with free streaming services Kanopy and Hoopla.

    • Dive into individual, local, and state history with access to databases like JerseyClicks, Literary Reference Center, Newspaper Source Plus.

    • Encourage even more learning with interactive resources like Points of View Reference Center, Middle Search Plus, Primary Search, and the award-winning encyclopedia World Book.

    • Tour the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center for an insightful look at the evolution of racial equality in America through a historic timeline. It opens the door to a historical treasure trove in person and on Zoom.

    • The Red Bank Community Engagement & Equity Committee meets in the Library’s West Room every 3rd Wednesday from 6:30-7:45PM. All are welcome to join as RBCEEC works to make Red Bank inclusive, safe, and rewarding for all. Next Meeting is 3/19.

    • Interested in supporting our Let’s Talk About Race committee? Email redbanklibrary@gmail.com.

    • Utilize HeritageQuest, a genealogical resource from Ancestry, in the library.

    • Attend our programs; free to everyone, no card required. Visit our online calendar for up-to-date details.

    • Dive into Red Bank’s history with our Local History digitized resources and publications like The Echo, “the oldest colored paper in New Jersey.”

    • Visit our YouTube channel for Miss Sira’s Family Story Time on Race & Diversity.

    • Check out—or just browse—one of the many books on display in on our Main Floor and Children’s Room to celebrate Black voices and stories—this month and beyond.