The African American Read-In was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. During the month of February, schools, churches, libraries, bookstores, community and professional organizations, and interested citizens participate in the African American Read-In, either by hosting or attending an event.
African American Read-In @ Cuyahoga Community College Eastern Campus
Since 2015, Cuyahoga Community College at Eastern Campus has served as an official host for the African American Read-In. Although the program was initiated by Michelle Rankins, assistant professor of English at Eastern Campus/NCTE Member, this program is a collaborative effort with Jacques O. Smith, Jr, Program Director, the Black American Council and Meagan Gibson, Director of Student Engagement. During Black History Month, Tri-C administration, faculty, students, and community members have supported the program. Local teachers and students from Garfield Heights, Cleveland Heights, Gilmour Academy, Maple Heights, and Warrensville Heights school systems have attended the Read-In. Community leaders from The Cleveland Foundation, The Plain Dealer, Urban League of Cleveland, National Council of Negro Women – Western Reserve Section, Mt. Zion Congregational United Church of Christ, local Cleveland authors and Tri-C Students have served as volunteer readers. Audience attendance ranges between 150 to 200. Also, the Tri-C Eastern Library creates special AARI book displays and the Tri-C Bookstore has donated books by African American authors as raffle items. For 2021, Tri-C Eastern Campus will host its first virtual Read-In via Livestream.