National African American Read-In
The National African American Read-In (AARI) is a groundbreaking effort to encourage communities to read together, centering African American books and authors. It was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. This initiative has reached more than 6 million participants around the world.
This Program Encourages Students to Read Black Authors
Word In Black, February 28, 2023
Since its conception in 1990, the African American Read-In has had more than six million global participants. Learn more about how and why two members of the NCTE Black Caucus celebrate AARI.
“Every February, NCTE commemorates books written by Black authors that elevate Black experiences. We call this event, this annual commemoration of Black letters, the African American Read-In. It was Dr. Jerrie Cobb Scott’s baby. She gave birth to it. Carried it. Raised it. Nurtured it. Sustained its life. Now each year, hundreds of thousands of people—in bookstores and coffee shops, in faith-based institutions and prisons, in living rooms and in kitchens and anywhere else people gather—dedicate time in February (Black History Month) to explore Black literature (old and new).”
Sawubona (“I see you”) Jerrie: Continuing the Legacy of the African American Read-In
by Stephanie Power-Carter, Indiana University and David E. Kirkland, NYU
What Is a Read-In?
During the month of February, schools, churches, libraries, bookstores, community and professional organizations, and interested citizens are urged to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month by hosting an African American Read-In. Hosting an event can be as simple as bringing together friends to share a book or as elaborate as arranging public readings and media presentations that feature professional African American writers.
Thank you to those that hosted an event for the 2024 African American Read-In! We invite you to visit the 2024 Report Card.
African American Read-In Toolkit
This toolkit contains resources that can help you plan your Read-In, including booklists, promotional materials, and more!
African American Read-In Events
Whether you’re hosting your own event and looking to add it to the calendar or seeking an event to attend, you can find what you need on our events calendar.
2024 African American Host Reports
Did you hold an event for the 2024 African American Read-In? Share your event details to be included in the 2024 Host Report Card by March 15, 2024.
History of the National African American Read-In
At its November 1989 meeting, the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English accepted the Issues Committee’s recommendation that the Black Caucus sponsor a nationwide read-in on the first Sunday of February. At the request of educators, Monday was designated for educational institutions. Dr. Jerrie Cobb Scott, an active member of NCTE and the Black Caucus, brought the idea to the committee. It was envisioned that following a decade of rigorous campaigning for participants, the African American Read-Ins would become a traditional part of Black History Month celebrations. In 1990, the National Council of Teachers of English joined in the sponsorship of the African American Read-In Chain. The commitment for nationwide promotion extends from 1990 to the present.
Questions?
Contact us at: aari@ncte.org
“It is important for all of us to see ourselves in books.” – Dr. Jerrie Cobb Scott, founder of the African American Read-In