The UMD Libraries’ Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee, in partnership with the Office of Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy (MICA) is very excited to announce the Second Annual Black History Month Read-a-Thon, to be held virtually on Tuesday, February 16th from 11AM-2PM. The theme of this year’s Black History Month events is “Black Joy” and we look forward to celebrating historical moments of joy across the African diaspora.

This Zoom Webinar will be live streamed via the UMD Libraries YouTube page, and is open to all members of the community. We are looking to host a variety of readers to highlight speeches, quotes, and other works by inspiring Black leaders, innovators, authors, entertainers, scientists, and scholars, etc. We are looking forward to lively discussions and interaction in our commitment to create a *Brave space (see below) for all participants.  

Bring your favorite books or poems to read! If you need reading recommendations and/or access to free, online texts, please refer to HathiTrust:

Directions for access online books through HathiTrust at: https://umd.libanswers.com/faq/296480

Compiled reading recommendations list at:  https://go.umd.edu/BLM21ReadingRecs 

Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are all invited to sign up as a reader at this event! For those interested in tuning in as an audience member on YouTube, or on Zoom Webinar. There will be opportunities to ask questions, comment, and leave reflections throughout the event via our digital whiteboard (Google Jamboard).

Please contact us at lib-idea@umd.edu with any questions or concerns that arise. We look forward to celebrating Black History Month with you!

*A Brave space can be defined as: “A space where participants feel comfortable learning, sharing, and growing. A brave space is inclusive to all races, sexes, genders, abilities, immigration status, and lived experiences. Everyone in the space acknowledges that there may be some discomfort due to discussing topics that may be uncomfortable in nature. In the established brave space, participants honor each other's experiences and opinions—with respect—to achieve a place of understanding. The most important part of a brave space is inclusion of all.” Amplifier.org 

References: 

Amplifier. (n.d.). Creating a brave space for dialogue. 

Arao, B., & Clemens, K. (2013). From safe spaces to brave spaces: A new way to frame dialogue around diversity and social justice. In L. Landreman (Ed.), The art of effective facilitation: Reflections from social justice educators (pp. 135-150). Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.