At the ninth annual African-American Read-In participants shared their favorite works by African-American authors
(Kayla Wong | The Beacon)
By Amanda Blas, Staff Writer -- blas13@up.edu
Take a bunch of African American literature, some soul food and a diverse group of listeners and you've got yourself one of
UP's ways of celebrating Black History Month.
This past Tuesday, UP's Multicultural Programs and English department joined together to host the 9th Annual African American Read-In.
"It's an event that is encouraged nationally to make literacy a big part of Black History Month," Bethany Mills, multicultural programs coordinator, said. "It's a great opportunity that focuses on the writing and works of African American authors."
Twenty-five UP students and faculty members took part in the read-in this year, presenting poems and narratives along with various excerpts from novels, essays and plays.
"African American expression was more of an oral tradition, and the read-in demonstrates this oral quality," Molly Hiro, chair of the English department, said.
Junior Kaileah Baldwin, who read a short story at the read-in, agrees.
"African American literature is very verbal because of the rhythm and the vernacular, so it brings so much more to it when it's read aloud," Baldwin said. "Being able to read aloud with other people who appreciate it is heartwarming."
The event closed with this year's featured reader, UP alumna Bobbie Foster of "The Skanner," an African American Newsgroup that serves Portland, Ore. and Seattle, Wash. Foster recited two works of literature, one of which was a short story from well-known African American author Jamaica Kincaid.
"I think this is an excellent way to celebrate Black History Month," Foster said. "I think it really exposes students to a diversity of African American culture, and they get to see that different writers appeal to different people in different ways."
Junior Andriana Alexis, a member of the Black Student Union who read at the event, feels that diversity is not just limited to the different works of literature that were heard.
"The read-in attracts different kinds of people, from the English major to the members of different clubs," Alexis said. "It's nice seeing other people appreciate and contribute to the celebration of Black History Month."
Alexis hopes to see the event expand in the future.
"Something as important as the African American Read-In should get more support," Alexis said. "We hope to attract more people."
(Kayla Wong | The Beacon)
(Kayla Wong | The Beacon)
(Kayla Wong | The Beacon)
