African American Read-in Returns Out Loud!

African American Read-in Returns Out Loud!

Join together with people of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities for the 5th annual African American Read-In on Sunday, February 26th from 2:30 – 4:30 PM at the Learning and Conference Center on the College of Central Florida's Citrus Campus. This celebration promoting history, literacy, and African American contributions to literature was first introduced by the National Council of Teachers of English in 1990. Citrus County's participation began with a joint project initiated by representatives from the Citrus County Library System, the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, Citrus County Schools and what was then CFCC. After reading about this event taking place in other Florida community, Sylvia Wilson, Library Advisory Board member and Central Ridge Friend, thought our county could benefit from a public program emphasizing the importance of reading and literacy.

This increasingly popular event brings together many members of the community: school principals, students, local elected officials, private citizens, actors, singers, editors, and executives. They gather together to perform pieces out loud ranging from speeches to spirituals, hip-hop to oral history, picture books to poetry and prayers. These varied reading selections enable listeners in the audience to enter the fascinating world of ideas and images conveyed through the written word. Past Read-Ins have been both inspiring and entertaining, and this year's committee members worked to ensure that 2012's event is even better than ever. The afternoon will feature special musical performances and refreshments donated by local business sponsors. Please join us in February as our community comes together for history and literacy out loud!

The program is free and open to the general public. CF's Citrus Campus is located at 3800 S. Lecanto Highway (County Road 491). You can find more information about the event and about African American authors by visiting our Facebook page @ www.facebook.com/citrusaari.