News Release

January 29, 2007


African- American Read-In will Focus on "The Blacker the Berry"

The Idaho Black History Museum will host the National African-American Read-In from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, at the museum, 508 Julia Davis Drive. The event, which is supported by the Boise State University Department of English and The Cabin, is free and open to the public.

This is the 18th read-in, but this event marks the first time that it has been celebrated in Boise. This year’s book, “The Blacker the Berry” by Wallace Thurman, was published in 1929 during the Harlem Renaissance and features the city of Boise. “The Blacker the Berry” tells the tale of Emma Lou Brown, a dark-skinned woman from a light-skinned family in Boise. Her skin color is a source of shame, and she looks for escape in Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance. “The Blacker the Berry” was controversial during its time for its open examination of prejudice.

Excerpts of “The Blacker the Berry” will be read during the read-in. More than 1 million readers of all ethnic groups from 49 states, the West Indies and African countries have participated in national read-in events. The event was initiated by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English, and the group remains a co-sponsor. The reading is endorsed by the International Reading Association.

For more information, call (208) 433-0017.
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Contact: Karen Uehling, English, (208) 426-1825; Idaho Black History Museum, (208) 433-0017
Media Contact: Julie Hahn, University Communications, (208) 426-5540, juliehahn@boisestate.edu 

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Last reviewed on Tuesday, February 27, 2007