Public Engagement

Ezra Hyland, an instructor in the Department of Post-Secondary Teaching and Learning in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota, has developed an innovative African-American Read-In program (web site here).

"The Read-In is a literacy initiative addressing the attainment of reading and writing skills in African American students and encouraging reading and writing across the curriculum."

In mid-February, Hyland learned that the program had won $50,000 award from the James Patterson PageTurner Awards, established by the best-selling author, which annually give $500,000 "to celebrate the people, companies, schools, and other institutions which find original and effective ways to spread the excitement of books and reading."

In addition to annual participation in the National African-American Read-In, the University of Minnesota program involves a book drive and a Black Men Reading book club/study group.

A link on the web site leads to an imaginative list of suggested activities for various kinds of host organizations:

• ART - Read a brief biography of an African American artist, accompanied by viewing and discussing his/her work. Read the writing of an artist and compare it with his/her art work, e.g., Margaret Burroughs' "For My People," or Jacob Lawrence's "The Great Migration." Compare the artwork of two African American artists who have illustrated the same narrative (e.g., "Lift Every Voice and Sing" illustration by Elizabeth Catlett compared with the illustration by Jan Gilchrist).
• BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL DAYCARE - Listen to stories written by African American writers. Sing songs written by African American composers. Sing traditional or contemporary songs, such as "This Little Light of Mine" and "We Shall Overcome."
• HEALTH - Read and discuss biographies or writings by African Americans who have contributed to the health sciences and /or health education (e.g., Charles Drew, Percy Julian, Susie Taylor, and Joycelyn Elders).
• ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS AND ESL - Read and discuss a story, poem, play, and/or essay that is included in a literature reading series, literature anthology, or student magazines. Read the works and biographical sketch of an African American poet or essayist. Read an excerpt from a novel or play written/performed by an African American (e.g., Carl T. Rowan, August Wilson).
• MUSIC - Read a brief (auto)biography of an African American musician (composer/lyricist, director, arranger, or performer). Then listen to and discuss their music. Sing songs written by African American composers. Read about and sing spirituals. Perform works by African American composers. Read about African American performance groups and listen to their music (e.g. Sounds of Blackness, Jubilee Singers, Harlem Boys Choir).
• PERFORMING ARTS - Read/listen to and discuss a speech written/performed by an African American (e.g., Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Jr., Barbara Jordan, Sojourner Truth, Jesse Jackson). Read a play written by or a (auto)biography of an African American playwright. Discuss famous African American actors/actresses, e.g., Paul Robeson, Ossie Davis, and Ruby Dee. Students could perform a dramatic presentation of a play excerpt or poem written by an African American.
• PHYSICAL EDUCATION - Read and discuss (auto)biographies of Black athletes, coaches, and managers. Discuss contributions of African Americans to sports and fitness.
• SCIENCE - Read and discuss a biography of an African American astronaut. Read and discuss inventions/patents of African Americans. Read biographies of African American inventors (e.g., Elijah McCoy). Read about and discuss contributions of African Americans to space science, life science, physical science, earth science, environmental science, medicine, agriculture, etc.
• SOCIAL STUDIES - Read biographies of African Americans who have made contributions to education, law, politics, sociology, psychology, etc. Read and discuss slave narratives.

This is a terrific example of a university program, spearheaded by an imaginative and energetic leader who has garnered broad community support, that effectively implements our public engagement mission. It's great to see it receiving tangible national recognition that will enable it to carry out its objectives even more effectively.