Read-in told the tale of black sports heroes

 

ALEX HART/Alachua County Today

Local poet Stan Richardson reading his work. His art focuses on the struggles of African-Amerians throughout history.

 ALACHUA – The sound of “This Land is Your Land” filled the room. Everyone clapped and sang along as Gussie Lee led the celebration from the front of the room.

This was the scene on Sunday at the Alachua Branch Library during the African-American Read-In. The read-in was to celebrate African-American sports heroes and was organized by the Alachua Branch Friends of the Library.

Starting at 2 p.m., guest readers shared books they loved featuring the stories of trials and triumph of some of the most prominent African-American sports icons.

Some of the athletes included in the selection were Jesse Owens, Arthur Ashe, Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Magic Johnson, Tiger Woods, Dwight Howard, LeBron James and Gabby Douglas.

Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper read a story about Jackie Robinson, called “Stealing Home.” Alachua City Manager Traci Cain read a book detailing the challenges faced by Jack Johnson, the first African-American world heavyweight boxing champion.

Librarian Linda Dean was proud of all of her readers, she said. She was especially happy to see some of the local middle school students come out and offer their reading skills to the event.

Eighth-grader Derrick Darling, from Mebane, read “Take it to the Hoop, Magic,” a story about basketball legend Magic Johnson. Darling said he chose the book because basketball is his favorite sport.

“I was a little nervous,” Darling said. “I have never read in front of people before, not like that.” But reading about his favorite sport, and one of his favorite players, helped his nerves tremendously, he said.

In total, there were nearly 30 people in attendance at the Alachua Branch Library. The event was marked with sharing stories, singing songs and enjoying food to celebrate Black History Month.

The highlight of the reading was when local poet Stan Richardson displayed some of his art with his work on the struggle and progression of African-Americans in society over the years.

Vada Horner is the President of the Friends of the Library organization responsible for the annual event. She volunteers to help make a difference in the community, and she said she truly appreciated Richardson’s words.

“His work makes us reflect on our lives, society and the world we live in,” Horner said.

This was the idea the event aimed to bring to the forefront of attendees’ minds. Shining a light on the path that African-Americans have taken to arrive where they are now in American society, and highlighting the richness of their culture, is something Horner and Dean both said they are proud of.

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