FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tell a Tale and Love a Book! –
1/14/05 African American Read-In
Turns the Page

(Dallas) – Storytelling isn’t child’s play. It’s an art…entertainment…history…and the preservation of culture. That’s why storytelling IS the focus of the citywide 2005 African American Read-In, presented by Dallas County Community Colleges. And telling old tales, new tales, tall tales and family tales is the theme for this year’s event, which will be held on Sat., Feb. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Majestic Theatre in Dallas. The program is free and open to the general public – families, in particular, and children ages 8 and older. Seating is limited, however, and usually fills early because parents, youngsters and friends traditionally flock to the show.

The sixth African American Read-In celebrates family reading and storytelling this year and will feature celebrity reader Lisa Nichols, author of Chicken Soup for the African American Soul.

“The traditions and culture of family and entire groups of people are enlivened, shared and preserved through storytelling – which often becomes a written record of life,” said Carla Ranger, executive director of DCCCD’s office of educational partnerships and founder of the Dallas African American Read-In. “Through the read-in, we share the joys of literacy and the legacy of African-American writers with members of the community, creating a celebration for families and friends, based on books and stories.”

Ranger added, “We would like everyone to know that the Dallas African American Read-In is only the beginning of fun for our entire community. DCCCD and all of our sponsors are proud to present this original program featuring the literature of African- American writers, and we encourage schools, organizations and families to hold their own read-ins throughout February to support literacy, to learn, and to teach others about African-American writers. The project supports all of these month-long activities.”

Guest readers and an original play written and directed by local artists are highlights of the read-in program. Go Tell It – We’ve Got a Story to Tell will follow the growth of a young author as he journeys through the magical town of Folksville and meets characters from great stories that have been passed down through the years. The play – which includes the works of writers like James Baldwin, Zora Neal Hurston, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee and Lorraine Hansberry, among others – is directed by Monique Ridge-Williams. Contributing writers include Guinea Bennett-Price and her husband, Keith Price.

A trip to Folksville becomes a lesson for both the aspiring young writer who visits, trying to sell his new “thin” book, and for the audience. Folksville, a haven for writers where they can develop their skills and conduct research on great works from the past, is an ideal place to learn about literacy, storytelling and history.

Featured performers during the read-in will include Camika Spencer, Tisha Crear, Willie Minor, Keenan Zeno, David Butler, Joshua Smith, Len Barnet and the Percussion Things, South Dallas Concert Choir and others.

Audience members will receive free T-shirts, canvas bags, books and other program souvenirs. “The real treasure they will take with them, however, will be the words – both written and spoken – shared by authors, readers, artists and actors, plus friendships that grow each year as a result of the read-in,” said Ranger. “DCCCD’s African American Read-In is an extravaganza of talent, culture and community.”

The idea for an African American Read-In originated with Dr. Jerrie Scott, faculty member at the University of Memphis and a member of the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English. The event’s purpose is to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. Since 2000, the caucus has documented a cumulative total of more than 1 million persons who have participated in read-ins held across the United States. More than 14,000 participants were tracked during the 2003 Dallas read-in. The annual local goal is 10,000, according to Ranger, who organized DCCCD’s first read-in in 1990 at Eastfield College. By 1995, the program was promoted districtwide.

Event sponsors for the read-in (which DCCCD has presented each of the program’s six years) include the Dallas Morning News; WFAA-TV; American Airlines; K104FM, KRNB-FM, KKDA-AM; Dallas Weekly; Scholastic; Holt Rinehart Winston; City of Dallas office of cultural affairs; Black Images Book Bazaar; Jokae’s African American Books; NtheKnow.com; KidsNTheKnow.com; QBR The Black Book Review; and Cadbury Schweppes Beverages Americas. Literacy partners are Dallas READS, Dallas Public Library, Earning by Learning of Dallas, Black Caucus of National Council of Teachers of English, Harlem Book Fair and Dallas Children’s Theater Center.

Adults, families and children age 8 or older are invited. For more information or program updates, contact: Carla Ranger at 214-860-2005; Allison Neal, event manager, at 214-616-2965; or Ann Hatch, DCCCD office of marketing and communications, at 214-860-2478.

For more information, call 214-860-2005 or visit www.readin.dcccd.edu.