The 2024 CHaSS African American Read-In, co-coordinated by Assistant Professor Adena Rivera-Dundas and Lecturer Cree Taylor, was a huge success thanks to the great participation from students, faculty, and staff across the college. Generous sponsors also made the event possible. The Center for Intersectional Gender Studies and Research (CIGSR) purchased copies of the book (Jesmyn Ward’s Sing, Unburied, Sing) for all participants. The CHaSS Faculty, Students, and Staff 4 Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (FSS4JEDI) committee, and the English and History Departments provided funds for lunch for the in-person meetings.

Participants commented on the amazing experience of engaging with the broader USU community in both in-person and Zoom discussions of the text. Adena helped establish a warm and welcoming environment where participants could engage in meaningful conversations about the various themes of the text. In a post event survey, attendees praised Adena for her efforts in establishing such a great environment with meaningful discussion questions to talk about. Participants also expressed appreciation for the event and touted it as "one of the best experiences they've had" participating in a book club.

Through their participation, participants of the ChaSS African American Read-In were able to:
     • Build cultural competency and the ability to engage in conversations surrounding race and ethnicity
     • Feel a stronger sense of community in CHaSS
     • Be inspired to further explore African American Literature and culture outside of Black History Month
     • Feel confident that USU is working towards achieving inclusive excellence in CHaSS

Those who couldn’t engage in the reading group discussions expressed gratitude for the free book and for the opportunity to read a text they normally wouldn't have read. The book was also incorporated into the curriculum of three English Department courses taught by Adena, Cree, and Lecturer Jeremy Ricketts. Cree says, “We are really grateful to folks for participating, and we hope to continue the tradition of the African American Read-In for years to come!”


                   Adena Rivera-Dundas                                                Cree Taylor