PNH Celebrates Black History Month with African American Read-In

Anjel Mckinney
February 27, 2023

Librarian Eva Diel reads a poem about having curly and kinky hair at the African-American Read-in on Feb. 8. The first Read-in took place in 2018 but was stopped due to the Pandemic in 2020.
Sophomore Symone Boyd listens while other students read pieces created by black authors. The pieces allow students to get a deep understanding of what it means to be African American.
All eyes are on senior Tyrelle Henley while he reads “Color Vision”, a book he wrote and published. Besides sharing published works, students also could share their own pieces.
Senior Hannah Berry listens to a piece about the black struggle. The read-in has made a big impact on her and allows her to think about what it means to be African American.
Senior N’Dia Graham reads a poem she chose discussing being black in America. “I read ‘In the Event of my Demise’ by Tupac Shakur. I read it because it resonated with me and was truly heartfelt,” Graham said. Hip-Hop has played a large role in black poetry and literature.
Freshman Josh Shannon reads lyrics from Atlanta rapper Lil Baby’s song “The Bigger Picture”. “I really felt empowered when I was reading because when he said it’s bigger than black and white. It made me think of how it really is bigger than black and white,” Shannon said.
Freshmen Leila Deskins, Arianna Stocking, Lily Tindra and sophomore Cece listen to the emotion in the reader’s voice.
Senior Hayden McDevitt listens to poems, then he reads his own poem about racial inequality in America. The event was open to all students to encourage students to read together, share their voices, and understand the black experience more.