History of the PACE African American Read-In

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Professional Achievers for Community Excellence is proud to have hosted an African American Read-In during Black History month in Partnership with the Carrollton library since 2005. To quote from the National African American Read-In website: “At its November 1989 meeting, the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English accepted the Issues Committee's recommendation that the Black Caucus sponsor a nationwide Read-In on the first Sunday of February. At the request of educators, Monday was designated for educational institutions. Dr. Jerrie Cobb Scott, an active member of NCTE and the Black Caucus, brought the idea to the Committee. It was envisioned that following a decade of rigorous campaigning for participants, the African American Read-Ins would become a traditional part of Black History Month celebrations. The commitment for nationwide promotion extends from 1990 to the present. In 1990, the National Council of Teachers of English joined in the sponsorship of the African American Read-In Chain.

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"The African American Read-In (AARI) . . . is built on an ambitious yet confident premise: that a school and community reading event can be an effective way to promote diversity in children’s literature, encourage young people to read, and shine a spotlight on African American authors" (NCTE Council Chronicle, November 2014).”

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PACE became interested in doing a Read-In in 2005 when Doris Moon and Roxanne Forster served as president and vice president of the club and were trying to plan a Black History month program. Roxanne had the opportunity to attend a Read-In program organized by DCCCD free to the community.  Dallas County Community College District spearheaded the task of putting on the first Kick off Read-In event at the Majestic Theatre in Dallas. For many years they invited local celebrities, dancers, singers, actors and other volunteers to take part in this huge undertaking.

In addition they encouraged local community groups, churches, libraries or just groups of friends to sponsor their own Read-In by providing tote bags, tee- shirts, books, pens, and pencils to them for free from donations they had received from sponsors so that groups could give them out to the people who attended their program or event.

The rest is history. Later with assistance from the Carrollton Public Library and recently the Friends of the Library, PACE has been able to continue to honor Black History month, encourage reading, and serve the community by hosting the African American Read-In.

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Many thanks to all who attended the African American Read-In at the Carrollton Public Library on Sun., Feb. 4. Attendees heard excerpts from stories, poems, and songs written by African American authors. Hosted by PACE -Professional Achievers for Community Excellence, this annual event is always an educational and entertaining crowd pleaser.

Pictures below

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