Free African American Read-in event February 22, 2025 held at the Caroline County Public Library, Denton a huge success!

As part of celebrating Black History Month in Caroline County, MD, local chapters of sororities Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho held an African American Read-In on February 22, 2025 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Caroline County Public Library, Denton. Dr. Willie Woods was the moderator and opened up the program by providing both background information about the African American Read-In, and about the Black sororities who hosted this event in Caroline County. She introduced each speaker and encouraged discussion and questions throughout the program, asking the attendees to reflect on how the readings tied in with the event’s theme: Hope, Courage and the Struggle. Members of the four sororities turned out in their sorority colors. Refreshments included cookies decorated in the colors of the four sororities. The committee included a display of books by African American authors.

Retired elementary school teacher Lesa Hughey was the first reader. She shared a story of Ruby Bridges that she regularly would read to her elementary students, and how she would share her personal story to help the children understand and relate to what both Ruby Bridges and she went through as a black child going through desegregation. Retired elementary and middle school teacher, Sharon Crossley was the last reader. Her message was a great wrap up, stating that reading to children and keeping children reading, along with providing children access to books is imperative. Ms. Crossley’s final message to the audience that we have to “meet children where they are” received a round of applause from the audience.

“This is sure to become an annual event in Caroline County during Black History Month,” stated committee member, Yolanda Acree.