Our History
The National African American Read-In began in 1990 and has over a million readers of all ethnic groups from 49 states, the West Indies, and some African countries gathering in schools, churches, bookstores, community centers and homes to celebrate literacy and Black American Literature. Sponsored by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), the Read-In has been endorsed by the International Reading Association. Penn State Altoona has hosted an Altoona Area African American Read-In annually since 2000. A “report card” of the readings shared on our campus each February is sent to the NCTE to be recognized as part of the national total.
Our Mission
Since its inception in 2000, the African American Read-In at Penn State Altoona has grown into a multi-faceted program delivering a series of events for the campus and surrounding community each February. As a national event, sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English since 1989, it is a program committed to making African American literature and literacy a central part of Black History Month celebrations. Accordingly, the AARI at Penn State Altoona seeks to educate and raise awareness about the African American literary tradition, to foster diversity, to promote a love of reading, and to offer opportunities for academic and cultural enrichment to the Penn State Altoona campus and the Altoona Area community. Over a million readers nationally participate in the Read-In each year.
How to Get Involved
Enroll in AFAM/ENGL 141N or ENGL 496: African American Read-In Engaged Learning Experience
Earn credit for bringing AARI programming to our campus and surrounding community! In the fall semester, students explore, discover, and study a range of literary works in addition to music, visual art, and film clips that relate to the annual theme, then collaborate with classmates to create creative or academic projects to present at the Read-In the following February. Projects may take many forms–film, performance, music composition, research, creative writing, etc.–depending upon the student’s unique interests and talents. In the spring semester, students take part in shaping, promoting, and delivering the 2-day African American Read-In at Penn State Altoona, which includes a children’s program, a community dinner program, visiting authors and speakers, and the day-long Monday Marathon, at which they also present their final projects. Meets GA/GH/US/N (integrative inter-domain). 2 credits in the fall; 1 credit in spring (spring course is only 5 weeks).
Upper-level enrollment / repeat for credit option: Already have your 6 credits of “N” integrative studies general education requirement fulfilled? Or already complete AFAM/ENGL 141N and want to take the course again? Enrolling in the course as ENGL 496 will allow you to repeat the course for credit and/or count the course toward either GA or GH non-integrative studies general education requirements (read about the flexibility of baccalaureate degree requirements here). Or it could count as an upper-level course toward the English major or minor.
2023-2024 Theme: Black Ecologies
We will read environmental literature by Black writers, exploring a range of engagements with the natural world, from wilderness to environmental justice and climate change. This theme is as old as the 400-year African American literary tradition itself, and we’ll consider both contemporary and historical works across a range of genres: poetry, short fiction, novels, and essays. We’ll also study Black perspectives in science and literary theory to contextualize the works we read.
2024-2025 Theme: Children’s Literature
Questions? Contact Dr. Carrie Freie at cdf14@psu.edu
Extra-Curricular/Volunteer
Any interested Penn State Altoona student, staff, or faculty member may also join the committee as a volunteer. Contact Dr. Carrie Freie for more information at cdf14@psu.edu.
Become the AARI Student Artist
Every year we invite a Penn State Altoona student artist to design a new logo for the Read-In early in the fall semester. This logo is featured on the T shirts and promotional materials for that year’s events. Contact Dr. Carrie Freie for more information: cdf14@psu.edu
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And on Twitter: https://twitter.com/african_at