Solons and Stars will shine at African American Read-In
January 24, 2003

The stage of the Majestic Theatre will shine with the talents of stars - from the worlds of literature, situation comedy and news - and solons during the city's fourth annual African American Read-In, presented by the Dallas County Community College District and Verizon.

The afternoon program, which is free and open to the general public, will welcome reading enthusiasts and novices alike who want to learn more about African American literature and authors. The event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sun., Feb. 2; seating is limited to the first 1,700 persons. Audience members will receive free books and program souvenirs. But the real treasure they will carry home will be the written word shared by readers and authors; the spoken word, performed by area artists and actors; and the word of friendship shared by everyone who learns and grows from the experience.

"During this fourth celebration of African American literature, we want young and young-at-heart audience members alike - especially families - to share favorite works and learn about new authors as they enjoy readings that will be presented by African American authors, television comedy stars, area news reporters and other presenters," said Carla Ranger, DCCCD's executive director for community relations and founder of the Dallas African American Read-In. "Our theme this year - and our original program - is title "The Rhythm of Language." DCCCD and all of our sponsors are excited to bring this unique opportunity to the community, and we also encourage schools, churches and other organizations to hold their own read-ins during February to teach others about African American authors and to promote literacy."

Celebrity readers will include Cress Williams of "Living Single" and Simbi Kali Williams of "3rd Rock from the Sun;" Dallas solon Sen. Royce West, who will lend his voice to the event; and several area news reporters and columnists – Norma Adams Wade, Steve Blow and Selwyn Crawford of the Dallas Morning News, plus Rebecca Lopez and Amanda Salinas of WFAA-TV – who also will read. Angelique Tege of channel 8’s program "Metro" will serve as the mistress of ceremonies.

A special production titled "The Rhythm of Language" will be performed; the original work was written by Anyika McMillan-Herod and will be directed by Monique Ridge Williams. Works by Langston Hughes, Margaret Walker, Virginia Hamilton, Edwidge Danticat, Kevin Powell and other African-American authors will be featured. Audiences also will enjoy performances by Nova Dance Company, the Dallas Black Dance Company, OIL, Percussion Things, plus the readings by local and national “stars."

Read-In coordinators will continue to inform others about its special online project, the George Dawson Literacy Awareness Campaign, which honors the legacy of the former Dallas centenarian who learned to read at age 98 and who co-authored "Life Is So Good" with Richard Glaubman at age 103. The goals of the project are to increase literacy; provide opportunities for higher education; and inspire community philanthropy.

Honorary chairpersons for this year’s event are Osceola Mays and George Dawson Jr. The performance at the Majestic Theatre will be dedicated to Carl Henry – who has served as a teacher, mentor and literacy advocate to many students, including George Dawson, who inspired many audience members at the first two Dallas read-ins.

DCCCD and Verizon have co-sponsored each of the four Dallas African American Read-Ins to date. Additional event sponsors for 2003 include K104FM/KRNB-FM/KKDA-AM; the Dallas Weekly; the Dallas Morning News; WFAA-TV (channel 8); Scholastic; Holt Rinehart Winston; the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs; Black Images Book Bazaar; American Airlines; and Jokae’s African American Books. Partners include Dallas READS and the Dallas Public Library. A host of other individuals and organizations also have contributed to the success of the 2003 read-in.

The idea for an African American Read-In originated with Jerrie Scott from the University of Memphis and the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English and NCTE in 1990; the event’s purpose is to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. In 2000, the caucus documented a cumulative total of 1 million readers who had participated in the annual event supporting literacy. Ranger organized DCCCD’s first read-in at Eastfield College in 1990 and, by 1995, the program was promoted district-wide.

Adults, families and children (recommended ages eight and older) are invited to attend. Guests receive commemorative T-shirts, book bags, bookmarks, books and additional incentives to encourage reading.

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.