Celebrating Black History Month through Children’s Literacy

Black History is one of my favorite times of the year. During this month, we celebrate the great achievements of people of Africana descent from Africa, America, the Caribbean, and other parts of the African world. This year I had an idea to organize an online reading initiative titled, The Reading Renaissance Campaign to inspire parents, grandparents, and community members to read books about Black history to children. One of the core purposes of the campaign is to inspire children to develop a love of reading.

On February 17, 2018 The Young Dreamers Book Club organized a Meet Up Read Up in conjunction with the East Liberty Carnegie Library. This fun and family-friendly event provided children from birth to ten years of age with an opportunity to learn about Black History and make their book. Our event framed Black History within four core themes: Africana History and Culture, Africana Heroes, Creativity and Innovation, and Family and Community. For each theme, the book club invited four champion readers from various professional fields.

Lorena Amos read the classic West African fable Anansi the Spider

Khalif Ali read The Book Itch by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Dr. Eliada Griffin-EL read Pretty Fancy Gowns by Deborah Blumental

Amy Korman, local librarian, read Big Mama’s House by Donald Crews

I read Dad Who Will I Be by G. Todd Taylor

The program ended with parents their children writing their own stories. Taminika Howze an educational reform activist said the following about the event,

“We thank you for creating The Young Dreamers Club and creating this important event!! I’m looking for next year’s event that will bigger, better, and more awesome!”

The Young Dreamer Book Club will organize more reading campaigns and events to inspire children to use reading as a tool develop their dreams. We have monthly meeting at the East Liberty Carnegie Library. If you would like more information about the book club or how to participate in the upcoming initiatives, then please contact Dr. Nosakhere Griffin-EL at najgriffinel@gmail.com, on Twitter and Instagram at drgriffinel, or join The Young Dreamers Book Club’s Facebook group page by clicking this link : https://goo.gl/QPCxhm.

Special thanks to Taminika Howze and Mark Barga for aiding in the marketing of this event! Also special thanks to Bruce Barnes for taking photos at the event!

Here are some other images of the program:

Originally published at medium.com on February 26, 2018.