Brittney Williams
MC301 Contributor/Staff
Hundreds of Jackson State University students, staff and faculty received Margaret Walker-Alexander’s poem, “For My People”, as they entered the College of Liberal Arts lecture room on Feb. 2 to participate in the annual African-American Read-In.
The first read-in was held in 1990 and sponsored by the Black Caucus of National Council of Teachers of English. In 1991, the National Council of Teachers of English joined the sponsorship. Today, groups from all states and ethnic groups participate in the event.
The goal of the day, according to the NCTE, is to make the celebration of African-American literacy a traditional part of Black History Month activities.
In 2002, the first read-in was held on the campus of JSU and the components nationwide are to feature a literary work by an African-American writer and to host the event in February.
Monica Granderson, an instructor of English at Jackson State and coordinator of the event said, “It is a two-fold objective. We are here to promote African-American literature and we are here to encourage young African-American students to read.”
Walker-Alexander’s famous poem, “For My People”, was chosen because of its significant contribution in shaping African-American literature today.
Three experts on Margaret Walker-Alexander, including a personal friend, provided insight and biographical information about the famous author and former Jackson State professor.
“Just reading African-American literature gives us a different take on the world. Depending on what time category you are reading from, you get a take on what was going on during that time and relate it to what is going on in 2015, because history does repeat itself,” said Shacoby Thomas, a senior English major from Edwards, Miss.
Many students in attendance believe young black writers can learn a lot from writers like Walker-Alexander.
“They [young black writers] can learn literature, actual culture, and self love. Everything has a silver lining,” said Jeremiah Brown, a senior psychology major from Jackson, Miss.
During the second half of the event, the audience was able to come to the podium and present works of literature that influenced them as well as original pieces they had written.
Brown recited an original poem entitled “Black in America”, which dealt with much of the racial issues going on in America today.
Donte’ Wright stated that African-American literature is what influences black culture.
“People don’t realize that we literally pour our lives into our material, that our art is an extension of ourselves,” said Wright, a junior music major from Houston, Texas.
Wright who is also a member of the JSU poetry club Outspoken added: “Artists are like a race of people that are on the brink of extinction. It’s almost to the point where the artist itself is almost like a myth.”
Thomas thought it was inspiring to see the talented students at JSU muster the courage to stand before a full room and recite their poetry.
“This was the best part thus far, allowing students to get up there to express their creativity or read the poetry of others,” said Thomas.
Dr. Doris Ginn, linguist and associate professor of English at JSU, had a prominent role in establishing the African-American Read-In on the campus of Jackson State as a kick off for Black History month.
Be First to Comment