The Dallas County Community College District began presenting its annual African American Read-In in February 2000 as part of a national celebration honoring African-American contributions in literature and writing. The inaugural event drew a capacity crowd of 1,750 at the Majestic Theatre and featured community leaders and celebrities, such as television and film actor LeVar Burton, former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk and former Dallas Cowboy Daryl Johnston. The event's special guest was
George Dawson of Dallas, who learned to read at age 98 after a life filled with challenges and who wrote
Life Is So Good, his autobiography, at age 101.
The George Dawson "Hold Fast to Dreams" Scholarship fund was established in the late Dawson's honor.
The celebration continues this year as we kick off the
eleventh annual read-in at the Majestic Theatre on
Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 featuring the original stage production,
"Readers Are Leaders!" The production will feature local and national personalities, students, educators and authors. The Majestic Theatre again will be filled with people of all ages who will share in a celebration of literature, history and culture. We will remember the legacy left by George Dawson by inspiring others to find the joy in reading. Participants in the eleventh annual event will receive a book, tote bag and T-shirt. Corporate sponsors, community volunteers, eager readers and a core group of dedicated volunteers are critical to the read-in's success. If you'd like to become a sponsor or volunteer,
contact us. We'd love to hear from you!
The DCCCD African American Read-In, a part of Black History Month celebrations, is one of many read-ins in the Dallas area, and has achieved a high profile in the community. Guests like George Dawson, as well as celebrities with strong commitments to literacy, have drawn people to the event for an afternoon of sharing in the joy of the written word. The international observance was started by Jerrie Scott of the University of Memphis and the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE); her vision is shared now in gatherings all over the country by people of all races and ages who introduce each other to literary works of black authors by reading and discussing passages together. NCTE's special programs division has commended Dallas and set the DCCCD Read-In as the standard for other cities to follow as they plan and host their own read-ins.
Continuing this noted program means promoting
African American literature as well as literacy among the diverse Dallas community. The event brings young and old together, encourages families to continue the dying art of reading together, and unites participants with uplifting words. Local artists and entertainers will perform during the program, expanding the cultural outreach of the read-in to include the performing arts.
The Dallas County Community College District continues to present the African-American Read-In because the event reflects the educational and cultural missions of our institution. Diversity, equality and literacy are part of that mission, and commitment to the community completes the circle.
Community read-ins will take place throughout February, 2010 at schools, churches, bookstores, community organizations, libraries, private homes and more in observance of Black History Month. Thousands will participate throughout Dallas and the nation. We invite you to join in the festivities,
be a leader and read!
