The themes of internalized racism, literary imagination, and how images and soundbytes from today's media contribute to many Americans' view of life were among the topics discussed during the Dartmouth Black Caucus and Afro-American Student Association's sixth annual "National African-American Read-In Chain."
This year's goal was to have at least one million Americans reading works by African American writers.
The purpose of the read-in is to create a chain of readers across the country that will extend to African and African Diaspora Communities across the world.
The read-ins were held on last Sunday and Monday. Monday was reserved for school readings
On campus, several administrators and professors from various departments participated in a number of read-ins.
In the Sandborn lounge, Casque and Gauntlet's library, the Sociology department's lounge in Silsby Hall and other locations, people such as Associate Dean of Freshman Anthony Tillman, Chair of the English Department William Cook and Class of 1996 Dean Sylvia Langford gathered to discuss African-American literature.
With students, they discussed how writers communicate their thoughts and ideas, and the role of authors in communicating the African-American experience to the masses.
Attending an hour-long discussion-information session in Sanborn lounge with other readers, Sandra Spiegel, the College's assistant director of equal opportunity and affirmative action, read from "Makes Me Want to Holler" by Nathan McCall, Drama Professor Victor Walker read from "Playing in the Dark" by Toni Morrison and College Chaplain Reverend Gwendolyn King commented on "The Book of Negro Folklore" edited by Langston Hughes and Arna Bontemps.
Each presenter had a different and interesting reason for choosing the particular selections they did. Spiegel, who has a 19-year-old son, explained that she heard of McCall's book through her son. "Makes Me Want to Holler" touched him so greatly that she was driven to get a copy of her own to find out why.
"Makes Me Want to Holler," while addressing inner-city problems, looks at the penal system as it affects African-Americans today, as well as higher education and educating those of color. As a reporter, McCall draws heavily from his recorded experiences of being in jail.
Walker, who spoke about "Playing in the Dark," commented on how Morrison uses imagery and symbolism as they relate to racial problems. Aside from the idea of the nation turning in on itself and its poor, its minorities and its women and children. The book also talks about Afrocentrism and it's potential danger, pointing out the heavily male dominated history behind this idea.
Walker added that there should be more of an emphasis placed on cooperation and not domination within the African-American community.
King, reading from "The Book of Negro Folklore," emphasized the "animal tales," including Brer Rabbit. She focused on how Brer Rabbit, a sly and entertaining character, was willing to do anything in order to feed his family or solve a problem. These tales, often created as explanations of nature, often contain a moral or an innovative perspective on life.
These stories have served as a basis for modern African-American literature and can be treasured today in the same way as they were when they were written. They remain strong moral and philosophical guidelines for accomplished writers such as Morrison and McCall.
The purpose of the read-in was to instill a greater awareness of African-American literature and how its originality, creativity, and honesty can steer us into a direction of understanding and tolerance.
These works exhibit a certain ability to reach every reader, regardless of race, creed or nationality. Monday's presentation was a fitting tribute to some of the classic African-American works of this century.
