Irma P. Hall
For immediate release — Jan. 22, 2009
(DALLAS) — Say it loud: “I read and I’m proud!”
Over the past nine years, Dallas-area residents have received thousands of free books, listened to readings by some of the nation’s most prominent African-American writers and shared the joy of reading, music and culture with family, friends and neighbors. Now it’s time to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Dallas County Community College District’s citywide African American Read-In with music, song, prose, poetry and the sound of turning pages!
DCCCD’s 10th annual African American Read-In — which celebrates literacy among people of all ages and shares the writings of African-American authors — will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Majestic Theatre in Dallas. Community members are invited to attend the free event ... families in particular, and children ages 8 and older ... and bring a smile! Seating is limited and the theater usually fills early because parents, youngsters and friends traditionally flock to the event.
This year’s featured guests are author and motivational speaker Lisa Nichols, who appeared during the sixth read-in, and Dallas resident and actress Irma P. Hall, who appeared during the second read-in. Both headliners will participate in readings during the program’s original production, “Say It Loud: I Read and I’m Proud!” (this year’s theme as well), written by Anyika McMillan-Herod and directed by Monique Ridge-Williams, which reflects on the event’s history.
“We are so excited to celebrate our 10th anniversary this year and to remember how many people’s lives have been touched by the African American read-in,” said Carla Ranger, district director of DCCCD’s office of educational partnerships and founder of the Dallas-area African American Read-In. “During Black History Month in February, we want to challenge our community members to read a work written by an African-American writer for 20 minutes a day. I guarantee that each person who takes on this challenge will become a better reader!”