2002 Event Photo Gallery
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Event Information DCCCD and VERIZON presents
The two-hour, multi-faceted Read-In promises to be as entertaining as its successful debut with the return of George Dawson, a 103-year-old South Dallas resident who learned to read at age 98. Mr. Dawson is co-author with Richard Glaubman of his memoirs, Life Is So Good (Random House, 2000). Joining Mr. Dawson is a lineup of community leaders, artistic performers, talented youths and celebrities, including former Dallas Cowboy Daryl "Moose" Johnston, actors Irma Hall and Michele Richards, and newly published author Nelvia Brady. Mr. Johnston also returns to the celebration following his appearance in last year's event. Ms. Hall, a former Dallas high school teacher whose talents have graced the silver screen, played the role of "Big Mama" in Soul Food and stole the show as the voodoo priestess Minerva in Clint Eastwood's Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Ms. Richards played Whitney Houston's vengeful sister in the 1992 movie, The Bodyguard, also starring Kevin Costner. Ms. Brady completed her first book, This Mother's Daughter, in time for Mother's Day 2000. Other guests will be joining them in reading the works of famous black authors, poets, essayists and orators. The Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklórico will also perform, and nationally acclaimed playwright Bob Devin Jones will direct the Read-In program. Entitled "Witness Journey", the program includes excerpts from Mr. Dawson's book, Life is So Good, as well as works of contemporary writers throughout his life. Everyone attending the Read-In celebration will receive a book to encourage continued appreciation of reading and literacy. DCCCD and VERIZON invite the community to join the Read-In chain throughout February with the goal of reaching 10,000 readers. The inaugural celebration, Reading Brings Dallas Together, held on February 6, 2000, drew a capacity crowd of 1,750 at the Majestic Theatre and featured community luminaries and celebrities, including Mr. Dawson, Mr. Johnston, TV actor LeVar Burton and Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk. The celebration kicks off the international chain of Read-In groups that are carried out by various businesses, organizations and individuals throughout February. Read-Ins are small gatherings of people of all races and ages who introduce each other to literary works of black authors by reading and discussing select, personally meaningful passages with each other. Director/Producer: Bob Devin Jones See Photo Gallery |