LPS celebrates the work of African American authors

Lincoln Public Schools hosted the annual African American Read In event on Wednesday, featuring LPS staff, students and community members reading and performing excerpts from African-American literature and sharing stories about the authors and their work.

The hour-long event, held in conjunction with Lincoln City Libraries, explored African American history and the contributions of African Americans in the world of literature and the arts. It’s part of a nationwide literacy initiative during Black History Month, with similar events occurring across the country.

Reading, speaking and performing at Wednesday’s event were:

• Marla Styles, LPS human resources specialist
• Chris Haeffner, LPS director of library services
• Rev. Tremaine Combs, Mount Zion Baptist Church
• Master Sargeant Brittani N. Cain, Nebraska Air National Guard
• Deejay Reiss, social studies teacher, Lincoln North Star High School
• Shanna Letcher, LPS student advocate
• Captain Tarvis Banks, Lincoln Police Department
• Belmont Elementary School TRACKS scholars
• Dr. Karen Kassebaum, assistant vice Chancellor for inclusive leadership and learning, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Daniel Turner, student, Lincoln Southwest High School
• Jael Pembrick, journalist, Channel 8
• Bill Bryant, LPS student advocate

---