African American Read-In: Honoring James Earl Jones

Saturday, February 1  |  1pm – 3pm  |  Free

This program celebrates African American culture through the voices of Black authors across a range of literary forms, including poems, essays, historic speeches, short stories, and children’s books. Community readers lend their voices to works that are sure to inspire, challenge, and reflect on the Black experience in the United States.

This year, we honor the life and legacy of James Earl Jones, a trailblazer for Black actors in the entertainment industry. Known for his iconic roles on both stage and screen, Jones first made history in 1965 as one of the first African American actors to secure a continuing role on a daytime drama. A rare EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), he achieved unparalleled success across multiple disciplines and is best known for his booming voice. Jones credited his mastery of poetry—particularly reading it aloud—as a key factor in overcoming the stutter he struggled with as a child.

2025 is the 36th year of the National African American Read In, an event sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English and its Black Caucus. Each year communities across the country are urged to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. This program is presented in partnership with the Kenosha Literacy Council, the Coalition for Dismantling Racism, the Kenosha Media Center, the American Association of University Women, and the Kenosha Public Library.