On Friday February 13th, County Prep High School was an official host of the African American Read-In sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English and the Black Caucus. The NCTE promotes “Making literacy a significant part of Black History Month by hosting and coordinating Read-Ins in their communities.” During lunch periods in the EMIC, over one-hundred students and faculty members participated in a reading of works authored by African American writers. Selections included children’s literature, excerpts of novels, short stories, speeches, sermons, and poems. As coordinators of this event, Mrs. Ashe, Ms. Robinson, and Ms. Fedele were instrumental in planning a stellar line up of student readers. Several faculty members also chose to attend during their lunch periods. The audience was enlightened by the works of such writers as Gwendolyn Brooks, Audre Lorde, Langston Hughes, Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Rita Dove, Ralph Ellison, and W.E.B. DeBois.
Mrs. Ashe would like to thank principal Ms. Mendolla for allowing County Prep to host what she hopes will become an annual event. Gratitude is also extended to Mr. Lyons and his interns in the EMIC for providing the decorations and the venue, Mr. Josiah and Mr. Ekmekjian for providing the delicious food and beverages, and all the participants for making it a memorable event.