“The Read-In” is a 33-year-old tradition created by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy an essential part of Black History Month. This year’s event will be held virtually from 6 to 8:30 pm; RSVP here, where you receive a link to sign up for a time slot to read or listen.  

More than 6 million people around the world from all diversified backgrounds have participated in the Read-In, sharing their work or the work of famous and overlooked African American authors and poets. 

Guest readers and attendees will be able to read a literary work of their choice aloud to an audience. Participants get to further knowledge of African American authors and poets. 

Dr. Rashidda Muhammad, GSU’s faculty member and professor of courses such as African American History, also co-hosts with The Organization Center for Student Engagement & Intercultural Programs.  

Muhammad, says  

“With the event being held virtually,” Muhammad said, “many people have and continue to join from all over the community and country to partake the Read-In is the longest-running tradition at GSU during BHM. 

“Having a platform at this capacity, with a broader audience conducted through zoom, allows readers to share. It offers opportunities in understanding our historical background and being part of. 

“So much has been written and overlooked. Every year I find something new I haven’t read before, and I’ve been studying Black Literature for over 40 years. African American students find and expand their voices through the arts. 

“We’re living during a time when the voices of African Americans are being ignored, if not silenced, so we have to seize every opportunity to tell our story and keep creating our history.”