The National African American Read-In is the nation’s first and oldest event dedicated to diversity in literature.

It was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month.

This initiative has reached more than 6 million participants around the world, and we’re proud to be a part of it here in Raleigh.

As part of our commitment to diversity in literature, the Women of Color Affinity Group for the Junior League of Raleigh is hosting a virtual Black History Month Read-In to help bring story time to the youth of JLR’s community partners this year and for years to come.

Below are the videos, read by Junior League of Raleigh members:

“Flying Free” by Karyn Parsons, read by Bernette Stivers

Flying Free storytime from JLR Comms on Vimeo.

“Anti-Racist Baby,” by Ibram X. Kendi, read by Laura Barnes

Anti-Racist Baby storytime from JLR Comms on Vimeo.

“Skin Like Mine,” by Latashia M. Perry, read by Nadine Stewart

Skin Like Mine storytime from JLR Comms on Vimeo.

“The Undefeated,” by Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson, read by Megan Riley

The Undefeated storytime from JLR Comms on Vimeo.

“Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History” by Vashti Harrison, read by Melanie Townsend

Bold Women in Black History storytime from JLR Comms on Vimeo.

“Pecan Pie Baby,” by Jacqueline Woodson, read by Shelley Winters

Pecan Pie Baby storytime from JLR Comms on Vimeo.

“A Splash of Red,” by Jen Bryant, read by Lanier McRee

A Splash of Red storytime from JLR Comms on Vimeo.

“Dr. H Explores the Universe: Mercury to Mars,” by K. Renee Horton, read by Jennifer Jones

Dr H Explores the Universe storytime from JLR Comms on Vimeo.

“Mommy Loves My Little Toes,” by Sakesha Yolonda Caston, read by Jennifer Jones

Mommy Loves My Little Toes storytime from JLR Comms on Vimeo.