September is Black Reading Month: How you can contribute

This month is full of many different acknowledgments. One that was started right here in Detroit is, “September is Black Reading Month” and this year the observance celebrates 45 years.

Beginning in 1979, one of the goals was to increase literacy engagement within Black communities in Detroit by encouraging people to read books, journals, and magazines by Black authors.

As books can act as a peek into understanding culture, identity, and life practices, one of the other ideas was for readers to gain clearer perspectives and identify relatability within Black culture through reading.

Now, in 2024, the once local “September is Black Reading Month” is acknowledged in many different states and even countries.

So, how are people participating in the observance this year? The ask is simple, read at least one book by a Black author during the month of September and you’ve played a part in contributing.