Annual Black History Read-In at Littleton Elementary
They came from a wide range of occupations, both civic and business leaders, to be part of the Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Littleton Elementary Annual Black History Read-In on Feb. 17. The event entails prominent guests from the community and county reading a book selection to students in grades PK through grade 3.
“This year’s book selections were The Other Side, written by Jacqueline Woodson, and D is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet written by Nancy I. Sanders,” said Littleton Principal Monica Broughton.
“The Other Side is written to reflect how powerful kids can be. The two girls in the story fight against segregation by becoming friends. They don’t believe in the ideas adults have about things so they do what they can to change the world. We all have this power.
“D is for Drinking Gourd is a book in which one can learn so much about the African American experience, either in a specific time in history or throughout the ages about things from Buffalo Soldiers to Cowboys, the Great Migration to Jazz, Politicians to the Tuskegee Airmen, Universities to Writers.”
It wasn’t just the reading that made the day special, she said. “The guest readers had an opportunity to share information about themselves, ask students questions about the book read, and engage in conversation regarding Black History.”
In this event we’re sharing Black History with students who aren’t aware of what has happened in the past. It’s part of their education, completes their education, said Cheryl Leftwich, Fund Development director of Gulf Coast Village in Cape Coral.
Their presence was greatly appreciated by staff and students, Broughton said. “The Black History Read-In is a time in which books are added to our media collection, it reinforces reading, it’s a time for students to interact with guests, and most importantly, it’s a time in which students can learn more about Black History.
2011 Black History Read-In Guest List included: Lamar Stewart, United Parcel Service; James Bing, Pastor-Friendship Missionary Baptist Church; Melody Allen, Teacher, High Tech North; Principal Joe Williams of J. Colin English Elementary; Jan Kaye, Network Specialist, Littleton Elementary; Dr. Ingrid Chrisphonte, ESOL Specialist, SDLC; Jeanette Moorman, Retired Railroad Payroll Manager; Teresa Brown, Ward 1 Councilwoman; Cheryl Leftwich, Fund Development Director, Gulf Coast Village Foundation; Harriet Myers, Facility Manager of Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Center; Realtor Gerri Ware, Rawlings Realty; Greta Campbell, Executive Director of Financial Accounting, SDLC; Esmond Lewis, Attorney, Esmond J. Lewis; Rosemary Jones, Retired Guidance Counselor; Chris Walker, Former Health Administrator; Deanna Pipher, Retired Media Specialist; Marcus Goodson, Director of Ft. Myers and Lee County Housing Authority; Laveta Gilmore, Social Worker-SDLC; Deloris Bowers, Retired Educator; Jeanne Craft, Realtor, Realmark Realty; Anne Chisholm, Retired Music Teacher and Shirley Burns, Mortgage Loan Origination, Neighborhood Stabilization Program.