GREENEVILLE – Celebrate the talent, intelligence and artistry of African Americans during a special event to mark Tusculum University’s observance of Black History Month.
Chuck Sutton reads “Harriett Tubman” at the 2024 African American Read-In.
Dr. Josh Martin leads the African-American Read-In.
Tusculum’s English program will hold the African American Read-In Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 1-2:30 p.m. in the Living Room of the Scott M. Niswonger Commons. Community members are invited to join Tusculum faculty, staff and students in this annual event that commemorates the contributions of African Americans to the nation’s culture.
All Tusculum family members and the community can listen to and read from poetry, plays, novels and essays from celebrated African American authors. They can also play speeches or music from notable African American leaders and artists.
This is a drop-in gathering, so guests are welcome to come and stay as long as they like. Participants will be eligible to receive giveaways. The event is free.
The Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English established the African American Read-In in 1990. Tusculum has held its version of the event for several years.
Steve Anderson participates in the 2024 African American Read-In.
Julene Kyle, then a student and now an alumna, reads from “Daughters of Muscadine” by Dr. Monic Ductan at the 2024 African American Read-In.
“This event is an outstanding way to recognize the significant impact African Americans have made on our nation and the world,” said Dr. Josh Martin, assistant professor of English at Tusculum, who has organized the festivities. “When you take a moment to think about the cultural influence of African Americans in all forms of communication, the vastness and impressiveness of their body of work is something to behold. We are excited to showcase examples of their work.”
Anyone with questions about the African American Read-In at Tusculum can email Dr. Martin at jlmartin@tusculum.edu. Additional information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu, and further detail about Tusculum’s English program can be accessed at https://site.tusculum.edu/english-2/. To learn more about the national event, please visit https://ncte.org/get-involved/african-american-read-in/.