The Freedom Project's 3rd Annual African American Read-In

In celebration of Black History Month, one organization is shining a spotlight on African American Authors.

The Meridian Freedom Project is hosting its 3rd Annual African American Read-In. Showing the youth the importance of literacy is a great part of The Freedom Project. Terrance Roberts the Director of Literacy gives us more information on the event

"The African American Read-In is a National event that really highlights black Authors. It's an opportunity for people to come together to share poems, short stories, sections of novels. They may be writing songs, all to highlight or illustrate the work of African American writers," said Roberts.

The Literacy Director believes this is an important event for the youth to be a part of and says literacy is one of their main foundations.

Roberts said, "Our motto is education is the seat of freedom and literacy is the backbone. So when our fellows get a chance to hear, see, read stories that have people who look like them in, it is beneficial, and it's a great opportunity for them to maybe even consider writing."

The purpose of the African American read-in is to promote diversity in Children's Literacy and encourage young people to read while shining a spotlight on African American Authors.

"It gives our freedom fellows and the people in our community a safe space to express themselves through literacy, by reading different readings and poems and stories by black authors and black poets. So it's really good it's a really good opportunity to have some freedom of expression through literacy," said Executive Director Adrian Cross.

The event is open to the public and will be at the l.e.a.d center Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm.