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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 11, 2025
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Leon County African American Read-In Brings Community Together to Celebrate Literacy During Black History Month
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| WHO:Â |
Leon County Government |
| WHAT:Â |
African American Read-In |
| WHEN:Â |
Saturday, February 15, from 1 to 2 p.m. |
| WHERE:Â |
LeRoy Collins Leon County Main Library, 200 West Park Avenue |
In celebration of Black History Month, join Leon County Government on Saturday, February 15, from 1 to 2 p.m. for the African American Read-In at the downtown Leon County Main Library, 200 West Park Avenue. Featuring children’s books by African American authors, this event brings the community together to build literacy skills by enjoying stories read aloud by local speakers. Audience members of all ages will also be invited to read aloud from a selection of books provided by the library. The event will also include a special performance by the Omega Lamplighters.
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Featured community speakers during the event include:
- Charlie Ward, legendary Florida State University (FSU) quarterback and National Basketball Association (NBA) point guard
- Dr. Lakeisha Johnson, Assistant Professor at Florida State University in the School of Communication Science and Disorders
- Dr. Kendra Mitchell, Assistant Professor at Florida A&M University in the Department of English and Modern Languages
- Leon County Commissioners and County staff
First hosted by Leon County in 2013, this local event is an extension of the National African American Read-In, which 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. Leon County proudly celebrates African American literature and authors by encouraging the community to read together.
While at the Main Library, residents are also invited to view the exhibit Charlie Ward's Heisman Trophy: The Bronze Legend, featuring legendary FSU quarterback and NBA point guard Charlie Ward’s 1993 Heisman Trophy. The trophy is currently on display through August 31, 2025.
Visit LeonCountyFL.gov/BlackHistoryMonth for more information about the African American Read-In and other Black History Month events and resources.
For more information, contact Sally Mason, Learning & Workforce Services Manager, at (850) 606-2665 / MasonSa@LeonCountyFL.gov or Leon County Community and Media Relations at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
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