Meet the Leaders of the AfricanAmerican Read-In: A Community Celebration hosted at the African American Museum of Dallas
The Dock Bookshop in collaboration with The African American Museum Dallas presents the African American Read-In (AARI) on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at the African American Museum (AAM) in Dallas The event will highlight national and local authors, readings by local leaders, children’s story time, author panels and more. This is the perfect event for families, individuals, book clubs and social, church and civic groups to celebrate and honor African Heritage/Black History through books and
MEET
Dr. Harry Robinson, President and CEO of the African American Museum. Robinson has developed the African American Museum in Dallas into a nationally recognized destination for people from all over the world.
Photo by Sina
History of African American – Read-In
The National African American Read-In (AARI) is a groundbreaking effort to encourage communities to read together, centering African American books and authors. It was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. This initiative has reached more than 6 million participants around the world.
At its November 1989 meeting, the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English accepted the Issues Committee’s recommendation that the Black Caucus sponsor a nationwide read-in on the first Sunday of February. At the request of educators, Monday was designated for educational institutions. Dr. Jerrie Cobb Scott, an active member of NCTE and the Black Caucus, brought the idea to the committee. It was envisioned that following a decade of rigorous campaigning for participants, the African American Read-Ins would become a traditional part of Black History Month celebrations. In 1990, the National Council of Teachers of English joined in the sponsorship of the African American Read-In Chain. The commitment for nationwide promotion extends from 1990 to the present.
Schedule
AARI Schedule
11:00am - Opening Remarks, National Black
Anthem, Introduction of Dr. Branch
11:30am Community Leader Read Aloud -
Rep, Venton Jones
12:00noon Introduction of Children Book
Authors
12:30p YA Author: Kelis Rowe
1:00p Black Cowboy Author Ryan
1:30p - Introduction of Adult Book Authors
2:00p Latoya Watkins
2:30p Hillary Hardin
Exhibit on Black cowboys opens at African American Museum in Dallas
Traveling Exhibition from Witte Museum ~ "Black Cowboys: An American Story" will opened Jan. 22 at the African American Museum in Dallas. Explore the lives and work of the numerous Black men, women and children—enslaved and free—who labored on ranches and participated on cattle drives from before the Civil War through the turn of the twentieth century. Through striking visuals and transformative experiences, this powerful exhibition transports visitors through time to meet a variety of real Black cowboy
figures and discover their profound impact in American history. Biographical profiles, photos, artifacts, multimedia and interactives reveal how Black cowboys were integral to the American economy, shaped the legacies of Black ranching families and turned ranch skills into popular performances in rodeos, music and film. By revealing stories that have largely been untold, Black Cowboys offers insight into the legendary cowboy, a clearer picture of the Black West, and a more diverse portrait of the American West. .
African American Read-In Highlights
Co-owner of The Dock Bookshop, Donya Craddock will lead a special discussion with Author Keith Ryan Cartwright author of "Black Cowboys of Rodeo: Unsung Heroes from Harlem to Hollywood and the American West" discussing the more than 50 artifacts, photographs, documents and films, the exhibition explores the lives and work
2023 African American Read-In
LaToya Watkins’s writing has appeared in A Public Space, The Sun, McSweeney’s, Kenyon Review, The Pushcart Prize Anthology (2015), and elsewhere. She holds a PhD from the University of Texas at Dallas. Perish is her debut novel.
Kelis Rowe is a James Taylor and Beyoncé fan who writes Black young adult summer love stories. She graduated from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN with a B.A. in psychology and an MRS
Dr. Elizabeth Grady Branch She received a BSdegree in Elementary Education from Jarvis Christian College, in Hawkins, Texas. Later, she received a Master of Education degree from Texas Southern University, with a specialization in Reading. She earned a Doctorate of Education degree at the University of North Texas
Douglas Redwine is a mentor, motivational speaker and the founder of R.E.D. STEM & Arts. Mr. Redwine is a graduate of Texas Southern Uniand is a STEM professional in the field of Healthcare Technology Management (HTM)v
Hillary Hardin, shares a life of love, forgiveness, and peace in a journey of understanding and acceptance of God's love through literature and music. Hardin has written a four book series, along with written songs and music to help readers venture into the journey of her life.
J.R. Lightfoot is a high school Social Studies teacher and former football and soccer coach. He refs soccer games and still play. He is a husband, father of 4 and lover of reading.
-
A Community Celebration
Kellie Ann Briseno using her words as tools to inspire, Kellie channeled her creative writing passion into the children's book arena, and now finds great joy in developing stories of hope for all children.
Patrick M. Oliver is a literary and education consultant dedicated to promoting reading and writing as tools of empowerment.
Lisa Cooley-Thomas, an educator, Coach, mentor, best selling Author and beacon of God’s love and light. Lisa received an undergrad degree from the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, a graduate degree from Texas Wesleyan University and a coach certification from the John Maxwell Company.
Nikki Coe is an avid reader who decided to try her hand at writing in 2005. She is the author of three fiction books, POSTAL BLUES, and RAIN, SNOW, SLEET or HAIL and RETURN TO SENDER - - -
Patricia Hopkins is the author of nine books; including five novels, several short stories, and a teen novel..
Verna Thomas Melton, Owner / CEO of Verna’s Ventures LLC, also founder and Director of Verna’s H.E.L.P. Foundation a non- profit 501 (C) (3) organization with four major purposes. With a documented
- -
-
The Dock Bookshop is one the largest African American owned full service bookstore in Texas and the Southwest, which opened in 2008. Our mission is to inspire, inform, and entertain our customers through books and book-related events in a relaxing and spacious environment. The Dock also sell audiobooks, eBooks, greeting cards, music, coffee & tea, beverages, candles, novelty & gifts items, personal and home care items. In addition, The Dock is 4000 square feet with a designated area to hold book signings and other events.
The Dock Bookshop is a New York Times and Dallas Morning News Best Seller reporting bookstore. We also maintain a popular Dock Best Seller and New Release Booklist. .
