Asheville Celebrates Black Children’s Book Week with Community Fun

News Summary

Asheville gears up for the national Black Children’s Book Week from February 23 to March 1, 2025, highlighting Black children’s literature through community events. Organized by Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe, this initiative aims to improve literacy and promote local authors while providing families with a vibrant atmosphere of fun and education.

Asheville Celebrates Black Children’s Book Week with Community Fun

Asheville is buzzing with excitement as the city gears up for the national celebration of Black Children’s Book Week (BCBW), which runs from February 23 to March 1, 2025. This fantastic week highlights the incredible world of Black children’s literature, and the city is bringing the community together to celebrate!

What is Black Children’s Book Week?

BCBW, a global movement, aims to showcase and celebrate Black excellence in children’s literature. The week coincides perfectly with Black History Month and Women’s History Month, making it an extra special time to reflect on the contributions of Black authors and the importance of their stories. It sheds light on those minority writers whose works often get overlooked in mainstream literacy programs.

Read 2 Succeed: Making a Difference in Asheville

At the heart of Asheville’s celebrations is Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe (R2S), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving children’s reading fluency and building literary awareness. With a commitment to ensuring that all children have positive experiences with reading, R2S has organized a series of events to make BCBW memorable.

Family-Focused Events

Asheville families gathered for three delightful events during BCBW, where they were treated to free book bundles and invaluable literacy resources. The atmosphere was vibrant as everyone shared meals, played games, and enjoyed strong community bonding. One of the highlights was a reading event held at the Pisgah View Apartments Community Center.

Spotlight on Local Talent

At this energetic gathering, local author Jorge Redmond took center stage to read from his book, “Black Girl, Black Girl”. This inspiring book celebrates the achievements of notable Black women throughout history, leaving a lasting impact on its young listeners. Participants were elated to receive signed copies of the book, enhancing the experience. More than just a reading, the event transformed into a joyful celebration with a free dinner provided by Blessed Soul Food, along with face painting and music from a live DJ filling the air.

Supporting Community and Literacy

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of organizations supporting R2S, the community is experiencing a beautiful fusion of culture, education, and fun. Celebrations like BCBW help strengthen the bond within Asheville, especially for those who faced educational disruptions due to Hurricane Helene.

Get Involved!

For those eager to dive into the literacy movement, R2S encourages community members to consider volunteer opportunities. Getting involved can help foster a love for reading in young readers across Asheville. Anyone wanting to learn more about Read 2 Succeed events can reach out to Co-Executive Director Jessica McLean directly.

Celebrating Reading in February

February is indeed a busy month for literacy activities in Asheville, combining the spirit of love for reading in conjunction with Valentine’s Day and the celebrations of the achievements of the Black community during Black History Month. With initiatives designed to make reading accessible and enjoyable for children, Asheville truly embodies the spirit of togetherness and growth through literacy.

So, mark your calendars, gather your families, and get ready to celebrate Black Children’s Book Week with all the flair Asheville has to offer!

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Additional Resources

• Greenville Online: 5 Ways to Spread the Love of Reading
• Wikipedia: Children’s Literature
• AVLtoday: Teaching Wilma Dykeman’s Impact with a New Children’s Book
• Washington Post: Hurricane Helene Before & After
• ABC3340: Pastor Cut off by School Board Over Book Concerns
• Google Search: Black Children’s Book Week

Author: HERE Asheville