ORLANDO – Experience African American literature in poetry, story and song at Orlando Public Library as part of the annual African American Read-In. On Sunday, February 18 at 2 p.m., local authors, educators, public officials and media figures will read or perform selections from works by African American authors, musicians and poets as part of the 35th National African American Read-In, an event that encourages communities to read together and center African American books and authors.
This year, presenters include Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, City Commissioner Bakari Burns, iHeartRadio XL 106.7’s Johnny Magic, News 6 WKMG anchor Ginger Gadsden, 90.7 WMFE’s LaToya Dennis, Grammy-winning songwriter and artist Nathi Gcabashe, Orisirisi African Folklore performing arts company, Nerd Nite Orlando’s Ricardo Williams, musician Ravon Rhoden, OCLS storyteller Crystal Sullivan, Channel 9 WFTV reporter Phylicia Ashley, and spoken word artist Curtis McKinnon. Renita Hunt will emcee.
African American Read-In is an annual event during Black History Month that brings communities together to read. Established by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English in 1990, the Read-In is an initiative to explore and celebrate Black literature to make literacy a highlight of Black History Month by centering African American books and authors. African American Read-In events have reached more than 6 million participants globally, and OCLS proudly hosts this annual event to promote diversity in literature.
The African American Read-In is free and open to all ages. For more information and a complete listing of readers and performers, visit ocls.info/readin.
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