AFRICAN-AMERICAN READ-IN CHAIN TO FEATURE K. LEROY IRVIS
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 15 -- As part of a national effort to promote racial harmony and a greater appreciation of African-American literature, University of Pittsburgh education Professor Ogle Duff will host the "African-American Read-In Chain" on Sunday, Feb. 7, at 4 p.m. in the library of the First Baptist Church on Bellefield and Bayard Streets, Oakland. It is free and open to the public.
"This is an opportunity for the entire community, both blacks and whites, to share in the contributions of African-American writers. This is the tenth year of the Read-in Chain and in celebration we are reaching out to all school children and all people in the community," states Duff.
This year's Read-In will feature the Honorable K. LeRoy Irvis, a visiting professor in Pitt's School of Social Work and former Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Irvis will read selections from his collection of poetry. An active supporter of the arts and civic involvement, Irvis has been recognized by many prestigious organizations, including the NAACP and the Conference on Black Basic Education.
Preceding Irvis will be a performance by Intergenerational Mimes, a mime group from the St. James AME Church directed by Mable Hawkins. Other featured readers will include Van Beck Hall, Pitt history professor and Leslie Smedley of Pitt's International Services.
Schools, community and professional organizations, businesses, churches, libraries, bookstores, and interested citizens are urged to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month by hosting and coordinating Read-Ins in their communities. People can join the nation and the world and by participating on Feb. 7. Schools may participate in the program by holding a Read-In on Monday, Feb. 8.
The Read-In is sponsored by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). For more information about the Read-In, recommendations on reading selections, or if you are interested in reading, contact Duff at 412-648-7194.
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