Alexandria Galtney
Managing Editor
In conjunction with the Department of English and Modern Foreign Languages, the NCTE held its National African-American Read-In on Monday, Feb 6-7.
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.
The two-day event was held in the Dollye M.E. Robinson Liberal Arts Building, with JSU English instructor Monica Granderson serving as chair.
Hundreds of faculty and students met to discuss African-American literary works, modern American issues and student research.
Day one of the read-in began with an opening session and a featured biography on Madison Lockett by Michelle Alexander.
A group of panelists also reviewed the book: “The New Jim Crow” with Dr. S. Smith serving as moderator. The panelists who assisted in the review were: Byron D. Orey, L. Smith, Rhonda Cooper and E. Lumumba.
In the review, Smith discussed mass incarcerations among African-American men and women and also discussed the corporations that run these prisons.
The panelists discussed the errors in the government and how students could one day change the system entirely.
Aretha Brown, a junior political science major from St. Louis, Mo. said, “I really think this program was beneficial for all of us. It’s good to see that there are people willing to fight against what they know is not right in our government.”
The mission of the program was to encourage students to read and to gain an understanding on the chosen text. Panelists wanted to educate students about the political and business agenda of this country.
The program continued with a student reading and a MADDRAMA Performance, closing with a panel discussion on student research findings about the government.
Natalie White, a junior political science major from Memphis, Tenn. said, “ I really thought the program was very informational and I hope students really listened to what our professors discussed this morning.”
Cooper, a political science professor and panelist at Monday’s event said, “From the panel on which I served, each of us wanted the students to understand the role the government plays in this mass incarceration and how with the injustices that exist, that it’s important for you all, your generation, your peers, to tell your stories. That you know that involves your families or close friends, be proactive. Go to the city council meetings, go to the board of supervisor’s meetings, be a part of the process, be a leader.”
The panelists also encouraged the students to purchase the book, “The New Jim Crow: Through the Age of Colored Blindness.”
Day two of the program was Feb. 7 in the Liberal Arts Building and discussed the topic “Black Lives Matter to Black People.”
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.
In 2002, 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.
Photos by Kalin Norman
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