ORLANDO — City commissioner Regina Hill was brought back to her own childhood as she read a passage aloud Sunday at the Orlando Public Library.
Hill read from “Through My Eyes,” a story by and about Ruby Bridges, who was the first student to desegregate a previously all-white school in the United States.
About 100 gathered at the library to hear her and other local luminaries read passages from present and historical works at the African-American Read-In.
Growing up in segregation-era Tavares, Hill remembers being raised poor and sat in a separate waiting room from white patients during doctor’s office visits. Through it all, her mother stressed that Hill read the newspaper from front to back. Sunday, she reminded the audience, “Education is the great equalizer.”
“Reading was the great escape,” Hill said. “[Her mother] always said, ‘If you know what’s going on around you, you can have a conversation with anyone.’”
Orange County Clerk of the Court Tiffany Moore Russell and Rollins College professor Julian Chambliss were among the 15 who read famous works by W.E.B. Du Bois, Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes.
For more than 25 years, institutions and communities have held African-American Read-Ins during Black History Month, which organizers say encourages diversity in literature, promotes reading and brings attention to African-American authors.
Nationally, the movement was established by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English.
Chambliss, who is also an author and historian, said he attended similar events at libraries growing up and cherishes the opportunity to influence younger generations.
“I know how complicated it is being a kid and seeing someone and not knowing how exactly they got there,” said Chambliss, who read from “The Comet,” by Du Bois. “Figuring out how is a pathway that everyone has to figure out themselves, but just seeing someone who looks like you … I think that’s important.”
Author Brook Obie read from her novel “Book of Addis: Cradled Embers” as her promotional tour swung through Central Florida. The Harlem native said she dreamed of being an author since she was scribbling short stories in kindergarten.
She was exposed to “The Black Poets” as she developed her skills, which is a collection of works by prominent black writers and thinkers. That led to her writing her novel, which is about a teen who escapes slavery using black vernacular.
“There was this idea that you could create worlds and you could create the world you want to see,” Obie said. “I saw the power and the poetry in the way and rhythm in the way that black people speak.”
Hill said she has prioritized bringing cultural and literacy events to community centers in Orlando District 5, which stretches from downtown Orlando to Hiawassee Road.
She also made sure her 4-year-old grandson was in attendance Sunday.
“It’s funny because when I was reading about Ruby, we don’t have to tell [children] they have to wait to make impact on society,” Hill said. “Ruby made an impact on the nation at 6 years old when she walked up those steps, inside that school and integrated that classroom.”
You can email Ryan at rygillespie@orlandosentinel.com, follow him on Twitter @byryangillespie and follow his coverage on Facebook @byryangillespie.
Buyers and artists galore at Mount Dora Arts Festival »
From the the Orlando Sentinel’s TV critic, Hal Boedeker: For a lauded businessman, Donald Trump fumbles on public relations.
From the the Orlando Sentinel’s TV critic, Hal Boedeker: For a lauded businessman, Donald Trump fumbles on public relations.
From the the Orlando Sentinel’s TV critic, Hal Boedeker: For a lauded businessman, Donald Trump fumbles on public relations.
From the the Orlando Sentinel’s TV critic, Hal Boedeker: For a lauded businessman, Donald Trump fumbles on public relations.
In honor of Black History Month, the Orange County Library in downtown Orlando held the African American Read In.
In honor of Black History Month, the Orange County Library in downtown Orlando held the African American Read In.
Tim Tebow Foundation’s "Night to Shine" Special Needs Prom at Real Life Christian Church in Clermont, Florida, on Friday, February 10, 2017.
Tim Tebow Foundation’s “Night to Shine” Special Needs Prom at Real Life Christian Church in Clermont, Florida, on Friday, February 10, 2017.
Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando’s Paws in the Park event took place at Lake Eola on Saturday, February 11, 2017. The event was an opportunity for pet lovers and their furry friends to meet, play, and support the Pet Alliance’s fundraiser.
Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando’s Paws in the Park event took place at Lake Eola on Saturday, February 11, 2017. The event was an opportunity for pet lovers and their furry friends to meet, play, and support the Pet Alliance’s fundraiser.
Revered around the world for its Louis Comfort Tiffany collection, the Morse Museum is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
Revered around the world for its Louis Comfort Tiffany collection, the Morse Museum is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
Our editors found this article on this site using Google and regenerated it for our readers.
