Super Read-In (not Super Bowl) brings cheers in Dallas
December 21, 2001

Paper and print will replace pigskin and passes on Sat., Jan. 26, when children and adults from across Dallas participate in the 2002 African American Read-In, presented by the Dallas County Community College District and Verizon. Traditionally held in February, the Read-In date was changed to January after a conflict arose when the National Football League altered its play schedule for the Super Bowl last fall.

No problem….Reading enthusiasts and those who are interested in learning to read can celebrate African-American literature and writers in January and create anticipation for activities during Black History Month at the same time.

"We again invite parents, children, family and community members - and anyone who is interested in Reading and learning more about African American writers - to join us at the Read-In," said Carla Ranger, Read-In coordinator and director of community development for DCCCD. "Each year, we see more and more families at the event, and we know that Reading brings parents and children closer together. Our theme for the program has been, since its inception here, 'Reading Brings Dallas Together.' That's so true!" The event is free and open to the general public.

This year's celebration, scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Majestic Theater in Dallas, will celebrate the memory of Read-In favorite George Dawson and also will introduce participants to several authors with Dallas ties. Dawson, who learned to read when he was 98 and who wrote Life Is So Good two years later, died in July. He will be remembered during the program, which is dedicated to his memory this year.

Currently, two African-American authors with Dallas ties are scheduled to appear and comment on their work: Dallas resident Annie Mae Hunt, age 92, who wrote I Am Annie Mae: An Extraordinary Black Texas Woman in Her Own Words; and Sharon Ewell Foster, niece of Dr. Yvonne Ewell (for whom the Dr. Yvonne Ewell Townview Magnet Center is named) and author of several Christian novels, including her most recent book, Riding Through Shadows. The appearance of other authors or celebrities, plus additional activities, will be announced in January.

The Read-In will give participants a chance to hear excerpts from a diverse group of African-American writers; those works, in turn, are interwoven with an artistic program directed by Anyika McMillan-Herod and presented by the Soul Rep Theatre Company of Dallas. Titled "A Literary Legacy," the family-friendly production will focus on a group of grade-school-aged friends who live in south Dallas: Pecan Tan and the Project Kids. With the help of an elderly neighbor named "Jump Daddy," the children convince a neighborhood kid to stay in school and discover the joy of Reading by exploring African-American literature.

Excerpts for the read-in will include Mufaro's Beautiful Daughter; I Am Annie Mae; Night John; Bud, Not Buddy; Once on This Island; and others. "A Literary Legacy" was penned by Soul Rep's writing consortium and features members of the company's teen acting company.

The event also will include special cultural and artistic performances by local artists, including the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's Young Strings, the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre and individual performing artists.

Now in its third year, the Dallas African American Read-In was presented by DCCCD and Verizon in 2000 and 2001. Adults, families and children (recommended ages eight and older) are invited to attend. Guests receive commemorative T-shirts, book bags, bookmarks, books and additional special incentives to encourage reading. The district, in turn, encourages other schools, organizations and groups throughout Dallas to schedule their own read-ins during February.

The idea for an African American Read-In originated with 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 observances. In 2000, the caucus documented a cumulative total of one 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 districtwide.

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.