African American Read-In at Belle Terre Elementary



African American Read-In at Belle Terre Elementary


Dr. Terence TC Culver, Principal
Belle Terre Elementary School




The African American Read-In is the nation’s first literacy event that is dedicated to diversity in literature. The African American Read-In was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English. The creation was to ensure literacy was a part of Black History Month. Since its inception, the program has reached more than 6 million participants worldwide. Participating allows for teachers and students to read pieces of literature while also highlighting the importance.


Annually in the month of February, during Black History activities, the program encourages schools, churches, libraries, bookstores, citizens, and community and professional organizations, to participate by integrating literacy as a part of Black History Month through hosting an African American Read-In.


Belle Terre Elementary School is proud to boast that we have the largest group of participants in the state of Florida with close to 100 readers swarming our school’s campus to participate in this annual event. With a population of 1500 students grades Pre-Kindergarten through Six who participated in the African American Read In this year, the goal of the school is to make literacy significant, exciting, and a relevant part of African American History Month. The books that are provided are written works by African American authors, both locally and nationally known. After the read-aloud, readers are asked to spend time discussing their profession and accomplishments with students.


The school has received participation from community members and leaders including but not limited to law enforcement, education, the school board, elected officials, the NAACP, first-responders, athletes, retirees and fraternities and sororities. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., has been highlighted as corporate sponsors of the event. In addition to their monetary support, the chapters provide African Americana professionals who volunteer to the read to the students and share their professional and fraternal experiences.



I saw an urgent need to find a way to celebrate literacy as well as to bring knowledge, history, and awareness of our African American History Celebrations in our school district. I never fathomed that when I mentioned this idea to two of my staff members, Latoya Lockhart and Priscilla Campbell, it would grow to this magnitude. I will be forever grateful and thankful to them for carrying the mantel and the rest of the staff who participated and shared my vision, helping me to bridge the gap between the community and the schools.

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