THOUGHT EXCHANGE

LCCC holds Read-In to observe Black History Month, develop compassion

Literature from influential African American authors and poets was showcased and read Feb. 26 at Lorain County Com- munity College at 1005 Abbe Road in Elyria.

The second annual AfricanAmerican Read-In featured two hours of students, staff and citizens honoring African American heritage by reading aloud some memorable works in the upstairs bridge that connects the Barbara and Mike Bass Library with the College Center.

“This is the second year we have had this here at the library, but it’s something that has been done nationally,” said Karla Aleman, dean of library and elearning at LCCC. “I have participated in these in the past and wanted to bring it here.”

“I like the messages the poems are conveying. It was nice listening to everyone share something.”

— Robin Smith, Lorain

Aleman said the event was a success.

“We sent out an email, school-wide, to see if anyone would be interested in participating,” she said. “To my surprise, we had a great number of responses. I’m glad everyone, who was here, got a chance to read aloud.”

Aleman said the event was like a formal read aloud.

“It brings together folks from the community,” she said. “I feel like it’s important to have a diverse group from the college and community reading these poems and stories aloud.

“Everyone got a chance to read something that means a lot to them, and that’s the best part.”

Frank Whitfield, president and CEO of the Lorain County Urban League, read a couple of his own poems.

“The poems paint a picture ... paint a true picture,” Whitfield said. “They talk about my life, time in school, when I saw cocaine for the first time, and when I found Christ and put my life together.”

Robin Smith, of Lorain, enjoyed the readings.

“I learned a lot,” Smith said. “I like the messages the poems are conveying. It was nice listening to everyone share something.”

Ebony Smith, also of Lorain, said she was there for the poetry.

“I like poetry,” Smith said. “Poetry speaks in a certain way that’s different from other literature.”

ZACHARY SRNIS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Karla Aleman, dean of the Bass Library and elearning at Lorain County Community College, reads aloud Feb. 26during an African-American Read-In at LCCC at 1005N. Abbe Road in Elyria.

ZACHARY SRNIS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Frank Whitfield, president and CEO of the Lorain County Urban League, reads poetry Feb. 26during the second annual African-American Read-In at Lorain County Community College.