Read-in celebrates African American history
Siarra Hernandez
Issue date: 1/28/10 Section: Entertainment
"It's important that we recognize people who have achieved a great deal," says Eugenia Eberhart, English instructor, and also the person responsible for bringing the African American Read-In to GCCC.
This year will be the nation's 21st and GCCC's third annual read-in. The event was started by the National Council of Teachers or English and its purpose is to help kick-off Black History Month.
"The African American read-in is works read throughout the day by African American writers," Eberhart says. "People are encouraged to come read or just sit and go through the books that will be provided. I always bring my entire African American library. The work is scattered throughout the Portico so students, faculty, staff, anybody, can come and listen."
Eberhart decided to start the African American Read-In three years ago because she came from a historically black college and was shocked when the students who live in such a diverse community didn't know much about African American history.
"The reason I came to Garden City, Kansas, was because of diversity," Eberhart said.
She challenged even her African American students by asking if they knew all the words to the Black National Anthem which is actually a famous poem written by James Weldon Johnson.
"I just want everyone to come and enjoy it and read. Sit down and look through the literature," says Eberhart.
The readings will take place in the Beth Tedrow Student Center Feb. 8, in the Portico. The readings will start at 8 a.m. and last until 4 p.m. The plan is to have a continuous reading without a lull the entire time.
Eberhart and the Black Student Union invite everyone to come read or just sit and enjoy the literature.
"A great deal of things we take for granted now were invented by Black Americans," Eberhart said. "They are why our poetry, our culture, our literature is so much more profound."
This year will be the nation's 21st and GCCC's third annual read-in. The event was started by the National Council of Teachers or English and its purpose is to help kick-off Black History Month.
"The African American read-in is works read throughout the day by African American writers," Eberhart says. "People are encouraged to come read or just sit and go through the books that will be provided. I always bring my entire African American library. The work is scattered throughout the Portico so students, faculty, staff, anybody, can come and listen."
Eberhart decided to start the African American Read-In three years ago because she came from a historically black college and was shocked when the students who live in such a diverse community didn't know much about African American history.
"The reason I came to Garden City, Kansas, was because of diversity," Eberhart said.
She challenged even her African American students by asking if they knew all the words to the Black National Anthem which is actually a famous poem written by James Weldon Johnson.
"I just want everyone to come and enjoy it and read. Sit down and look through the literature," says Eberhart.
The readings will take place in the Beth Tedrow Student Center Feb. 8, in the Portico. The readings will start at 8 a.m. and last until 4 p.m. The plan is to have a continuous reading without a lull the entire time.
Eberhart and the Black Student Union invite everyone to come read or just sit and enjoy the literature.
"A great deal of things we take for granted now were invented by Black Americans," Eberhart said. "They are why our poetry, our culture, our literature is so much more profound."