GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University is celebrating the creativity, messages and talent of African American artists by reading their works, showing their speeches or playing their music during an annual event on campus.
Elizabeth Goodale reads during the 2022 event.
Wayne Thomas reads as, left to right, Dr. Troy Goodale, Elizabeth Goodale and Dr. Jeffrey Perry listen during the 2022 event.
The African American Read-In will take place from noon-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, in the living room of the Scott M. Niswonger Commons. All Tusculum family members and the community are welcome to attend and participate in this event, which the university’s English and Languages Department and Center for Civic Advancement are sponsoring.
Visitors are encouraged to drop in or stay for the whole event. They can read or listen to poetry, plays, novels or essays from African American authors. Participants are able to bring a work of their choosing, but organizers will also have selections available for reading.
The department and the CCA added an element for this year’s African American Read-In. Those who attend can play speeches or music from notable African American leaders and artists.
The African American Read-In is a national event founded by the National Council for Teachers of English.
The Tusculum event is free, and there will be light refreshments and giveaways.
“In February schools, libraries, churches and community groups all around the country come together to celebrate African American literature, history and culture.,” said Dr. Shelby Ward, assistant professor of interdisciplinary studies and the CCA’s director. “Tusculum University is excited to once again participate in this event, and we hope to broaden the scope and participation in honor of this year’s Black History Month.”
Questions about the African American Read-In can be directed to Dr. Ward at sward@tusculum.edu. More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu. To learn more about the NTCE, please visit https://ncte.org/get-involved/african-american-read-in/.