African American Read-in

The African American Read-In is an initiative that started in 1990 by the National Council of Teachers of English. It is the nation’s first and oldest event dedicated to diversity in literature. The initial and continued goal of the African American Read-In is to promote diversity in literature, encourage young people to read, and spotlight African American authors. Dallas ISD is proud to have hosted the African American Read-In for decades.

Event Information

Opening Exercises and Keynote Address: What is Black History? (all ages)

Friday, February 25th
8:30 am to 9:30 am

Join us as we kick off the day with student performances, interactive games, a give-away, and dancing led by Jana and Jonathan, followed by author Traci N. Todd offering the keynote address, "What is Black History? 

Recording available at this link: coming soon

Writing Non-fiction Workshop (PreK through 3rd Grade students)

Friday, February 25th
10:00 am to 10:50 am

Traci N. Todd is an award-winning children's book author and the editor of many successful books, including the New York Times bestselling Nina: A Story of Nina Simone. She will lead our youngest learners through a workshop titled, "Writing Non-fiction: Finding the Right Subject and Crafting a Good Story." How is writing non-fiction unique and how can you make it a good story?

Recording available at this link: coming soon 

Creating Characters That Come Alive (4th through 8th Grade students)

Friday, February 25th
10:00 am to 10:50 am

Meet award-winning middle-grade author, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich at her workshop titled, "Creating Characters That Come Alive." How do writers develop characters that are like real life -- only better? What tools do we use? What things do we think about? Using a variety of drama techniques, activities, and games, we'll play around with ways to create characters that live on in our hearts long after the story ends.

Recording available at this link: coming soon

Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Doors in Literature (9th through 12th Grade students)

Friday, February 25th
10:00 am to 10:50 am

Kalynn Bayron is the bestselling author of CINDERELLA IS DEAD. In addition to being a writer, she is also a classically trained vocalist. When she’s not writing, you can find her listening to Ella Fitzgerald on loop, attending the theater, watching scary movies, and spending time with her kids. Bayron will speak about why representation in literature is important to her and how it's impacted her writing process. 

Recording available at this link: coming soon

Your Name is a Song (PreK through 3rd Grade students)

Friday, February 25th
11:00 am to 11:50 am

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow is an award-winning children’s book author and educator who aspires to be a griot. That is, she strives to create stories with lyrical language, unforgettable voice, and dialogue that begs to be read aloud (or even sung). In her workshop, Thompkins-Bigelow will discuss proudly expressing your identity and appreciating the beauty of the cultures around you. 

Recording available at this link: coming soon

From Reluctant Reader to Award-Winning Writer (4th through 8th Grade students)

Friday, February 25th
11:00 am to 11:50 am

Jerry Craft, author of the New York Times bestselling graphic novels New Kid and Class Act, will discuss his journey from reluctant reader to award-winning author. Craft’s presentation will include a live drawing and Q&A. 

Recording available at this link: coming soon

Storybuilding Workshop (9th through 12th Grade students)

Friday, February 25th
11:00 am to 11:50 am

J. Elle is the author of the instant New York Times and Indie bestseller Wings of Ebony, a YA novel about a Black teen who must lean into her ancestor's magic to protect her inner-city community from drugs, violence, and crime. In her "Storybuilding" workshop, J will lead students through assembling the "ingredients" of a great story: a character, a dilemma, and some "sauce". Students will work to create a dynamic character with defining characteristics, a clear dilemma, and (what J likes to call) "some sauce" which helps the story feel fresh and different. Finally, students will share their story ideas & J will pick a crowd-sourced winner to receive a personalized and signed copy of Ashes of Gold, the sequel to her NYT bestselling debut, Wings Of Ebony. 

Recording available at this link: coming soon

Dream Street (PreK through 3rd Grade students)

Friday, February 25th
1:00 pm to 1:50 pm

Tricia Elam Walker and Ekua Holmes are COUSINS who wrote Dream Street, about the neighborhood where they grew up. Join the session to hear more about their childhoods and how this story was created. 

Recording available at this link: coming soon

Lift Every Swag! Author Visit (4th through 12th Grade students)

Friday, February 25th
1:00 pm to 1:50 pm

Kelly J. Baptist has been writing since...well, since she learned how to write! What’s your special thing…the trademark that sets you apart? We all have something, so join her “Lift Every SWAG!” author visit and get ready to let your swag shine! Through games, prizes, and as many questions you can think of, you’ll get all the tea, and some encouragement to leave your mark on the world! 

Recording available at this link: coming soon

Legacy: Closing Exercises & Keynote Address

Friday, February 25th
2:00 pm to 2:50 pm

The FABULOUS Merv Jenkins is a hip-hop artist who is rapping his way through life as a teacher, principal, and guest at the White House. Now, he's coming to Dallas ISD as a hit Flocabulary star! 
Stick around to hear from Tricia Elam Walker and Ekua Holmes offering the closing keynote address about the legacy that has channeled their careers and the power of images in creating a story. 

Recording available at this link: coming soon

Educator Session: Embracing the Story Behind the Story

Friday, February 25th
4:00 pm

A 45-minute workshop for teachers, librarians, and instructional staff will be held on Friday, February 25th, at 4:00 pm. Kelly Baptist, the nationally renowned author of Isaiah Dunn Hero and The Swag is in the Socks, will lead this workshop specifically for educators! 

How do we encourage the young people in our lives to embrace their unique swag? It starts with us as adults embracing them, and the stories they carry with them. Come ready to hear and share strategies for engaging kids by connecting with their hearts.

Recording available at this link: coming soon

Community Session: Art & Imagination

Friday, February 25th
5:00 pm

Students of all ages, parents, caregivers, and members of the community are invited to join us as we come together and celebrate reading! 

Tim Fielder, author of the critically-acclaimed graphic novels INFINITUM: An Afrofuturist Tale published by HarperCollins and Matty’s Rocket Book One published by Dieselfunk Studios, will discuss his process, methodology, and history of creating speculative stories about the Black experience. His presentation will feature images, live art samples, and a Q&A.  

Recording available at this link: coming soon