ORANGE COUNTY – As part of Orange County Library System’s Black History Month celebration, Orlando Public Library invites the community to explore and uplift Black literature in conjunction with the 33rd Annual National African American Read-In on Sunday, February 5.
The African American Read-In will take place on the Library Central main stage beginning at 2 p.m. on February 5. This year, US Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings will be among the local luminaries highlighting African American literature in poetry, story and song. WMFE host Talia Blake, Grammy-nominated songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Nkosinathi “Nathi” Gcabashe, Nerd Nite Orlando host Ricardo Williams, WFTV Channel 9 anchor Daralene Jones, XL 106.7 host Johnny Magic, WESH 2 News anchor Summer Knowles and other local luminaries will also be in attendance to celebrate and share in their favorite works of literature.
Established by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English in 1990, African American 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 Orange County Library System is proud to host this annual event to promote diversity in literature.
The African American Read-In is free and open to all ages. The Read-In takes place on Sunday, February 5, at 2 p.m. at Orlando Public Library. For more information and a complete listing of readers and performers, visit ocls.info/readin.