Roosevelt Celebrates National African American Read-In

During Black History Month, students in the Roosevelt School District celebrated the 35th annual National African American Read-In (NAARI) by honoring the contributions of Black authors and illustrators. Roosevelt High School National Honor Society (NHS) members visited Centennial Avenue Elementary School to share inspirational stories and encourage younger students to read.

“The NAARI is an inspiring and thoughtful event,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Shawn Wightman. “Our National Honor Society students are wonderful role models for our younger students, who love the chance to share their favorite books with their older peers. We’re so grateful to our staff and students for keeping this tradition alive for another successful year.”

The District’s observation of NAARI promotes literacy by connecting students to stories where they can relate to the characters and find inspiration in the authors’ messages. The Roosevelt High School NHS has been hosting the read-in with Centennial Avenue Elementary School for eight years to provide students with a nurturing environment that fosters a love and respect for reading.

Centennial Elementary School was one of the seven schools across New York to sponsor their own read-in during the NAARI. Books featured in included The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, The Queen of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, and Julius by Angela Johnson, among other enthralling works.

The National African American Read-In is a groundbreaking effort to encourage communities to read together, directing awareness of African American books and authors. It was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. This initiative has reached more than six million participants around the world.

To learn more about the Roosevelt Union Free School District, please visit the District's website at https://www.rooseveltufsd.org. Happenings in the District can also be followed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RooseveltUFSD.