JW Eater Junior High in Rantoul, Illinois — just 20 miles north of Champaign-Urbana reached out to the Black Faculty & Professionals Alliance regarding a literacy volunteer opportunity during the month of February to help our school make literacy a significant part of African American History Month.

This year is the 3rd year that Eater will be holding the African American Read-In. The National African American Read-In is the nation’s first and oldest event dedicated to diversity in literature. It was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English. Schools and community organizations across the United States dedicate a day or several days during the month of February to read and celebrate African American authors.

Moreover, JW Eater wants to highlight Black authors and bring awareness to outstanding contributions they have made in regard to literacy. Typically, they ask for volunteers to come into the school to speak and share a piece of writing by a Black author with students. Unfortunately, due to COVID, coming into the school will not be a possibility. Would you be able/and or willing to record yourself highlighting a text written by a Black author?

If so, please complete this form which includes a short list of questions/talking points that you could use for your video. Do not feel obligated to stick to this outline, but use it as guidance for your video. Feel free to include anything else that is relevant. All video submissions must be submitted by Friday, February 5th.