January 31, 2007
Christopher Paul Curtis was a good reader growing up as a young child in Flint, Michigan. In fact, let him tell you, he was a “very good reader” but he didn’t like many of the books that were available for him to read. “They did not reflect my reality,” said Mr. Curtis. “There were not enough books for us about us.”
His parents bought books for the family to read and he still remembers spending hours on end reading, a hobby he continued after high school, working on the assembly line of the “historic Fisher Body Plant” in his home town. Admittedly, his job wasn’t an exciting one, so during his breaks, when he wasn’t reading, he was writing. Through books, he was introduced to the exquisite works of James Baldwin, Toni Morrison and others. Today, young boys and girls are adding the Curtis name to their list of favorite authors as they enjoy selections from this multiple award winning author.
Now Dallas-area youth will have an opportunity to see Mr. Curtis in action at the eighth annual African American Read-In, Saturday, Feb. 3 at the Majestic Theatre. This year’s stellar event focuses on the children and the books they love, said Carla Ranger, executive director of the Dallas County Community College District’s office of Educational Partnerships and the founder of the Dallas African American Read-In. “This year, we are celebrating family, reading and learning, emphasizing books written for younger readers,” she pointed out, ironically at the closing of the haven for Black book authors, Black Images Book Bazaar, in December. While there were sad feelings being expressed as those final customers watched everything on the shelves, and even the shelves being sold, Ms. Ranger, who also is a Dallas Independent School District Board Trustee, applauded the bookstore owners for their support for nearly three decades and also as a sponsor of the Read-In.
But if you think the children are excited about the event—which has had a full house every year since its inception—well, you should talk to Mr. Curtis. He has heard about the success of the program, which is duplicated in several cities around the country, and had nothing but praise for the organizers during a recent interview.
“I have heard a lot about the African American Read-In and I am looking forward to participating,” said the Newbery and Coretta Scott King Honor Book award recipient. “The program is really good for children because reading is something, if you have the gift, you can do so much.” He went on to explain how books open up the world to youth who can begin to dream when they can see themselves on the pages of books.
“I hope by teaching young people the love of reading they can grow,” he said. “We need to have our stories out there. They need outlets that reflect our culture and life.” And that is just what readers get in Bud Not Buddy, Bucking the Sarge, The Watson’s Go to Birmingham, Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money, and, Mr. Curtis’s latest novel, Mr. Chickee’s Messy Mission.
Mr. Curtis will be joined by a number or other entertainers at the Read-In, including veteran journalist Brenda Teele of WFAA-TV, who will serve as the mistress of ceremony and performances by the Dallas Black Dance Theater, New Arts Six, the Gospel Harmoneers, Lyndale the Literary Lion, Ronald McDonald. In addition to Mr. Curtis’s performance, other highlights of the afternoon will be performances from children and youth poets from the Dallas Public Library’s “Express Yourself” contest. Opening up Black History Month, the Read-In promotes literacy and was the brainchild of Dr. Jerrie Scott. A faculty member at the University of Memphis and a member of the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English, Dr. Scott also had nothing but praise for Dallas’ event.
“Dallas’ event is very impressive,” she said during a previous interview.
Who: Christopher Paul Curtis What: African American Read-In
When: Saturday, Feb. 3 at 2p.m.
Where: Majestic Theatre
Cost: FREE
Jan. 29 -- Feb. 1, 2007
Bag Stuffing, 701 Elm, Conf. Room A
8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Feb. 2, 2007
Volunteers
Majestic Theatre
1925 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75201
Starting at 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 7, 2007
Hair Day Read-In An Open Mike Black ‘Hairstory’ Session
7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Feb. 8, 2007
Environmental Protection Agency
1445 Ross Avenue, 12th floor Dallas, TX 75202
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Feb. 10, 2007
Barnes & Noble Read-In
Lincoln Park Store 7700 W Northwest Hwy #300
Dallas, TX 75225 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Feb. 18, 2007
2nd Annual AARI for Disciples of Faith Ministries Disciples of Faith Worship Center
DFW Marriot South - Hotel 4151 Centreport Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76155
Feb. 21, 2007
Richland College Read-In
12800 Abrams Rd., Room F-108
Dallas, TX 75243-2199
12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Feb. 21, 2007
701 African American Read-In
El Centro College 801 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75202-3604
2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Feb. 24, 2007
Polk Wisdom Library Community Read-In
7151 Library Lane,
Dallas,TX 75232
3:00 p.m.
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