NASHVILLE (TSU News Service) – In honor of Black History Month, Tennessee State University will join schools, churches, libraries and community organizations across the county and participate in the 24th Annual National African American Read-In Sunday, Feb. 3.
Individuals will gather at the Walter S. Davis Humanities building from 3 until 4 p.m. to read from African American texts. Everyone is welcome to attend and bring his or her own literary works or excerpts written by an African or African-American author to read.
According to organizers, the University has participated every year and expects a large turnout. Last year more than 40 students took part in the event.
“We have been taking part in the read-in since it began,” said Dr. Helen Houston, professor of Languages, Literature and Philosophy. “It is important to take part and be involved in an event such as this because we learn more about literature and culture, and what we as an African-American community are doing.”
Sponsored by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English, and endorsed by the International Reading Association, the Read-In takes place every February during Black History Month in effort to urge organizations and interested citizens to make literacy a significant part of the month by hosting and coordinating read-ins in their communities.
During the past 23 years, more than a million readers of all ethnic groups from the United States, the District of Columbia, the West Indies, African countries and more have participated in the event. The goal is to make the celebration of African American literacy a traditional part of Black History Month activities.
The Read-In is free and open to the public and takes place in Room 113 of the Humanities building. For more information, contact Dr. Houston at 615.963.5716.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University
3500 John A. Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
With nearly 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university and is a comprehensive, urban, coeducational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top Universities in the county by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912 Tennessee State University celebrates 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu
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