African American Read-In Kicks Off Black History Month In Red Bank

RED BANK, NJ — Black History Month begins in Red Bank with a performance by children’s author and Djembe percussionist Kojo Ayinde Johnson for the National African American Read-In on Saturday, Feb. 3.

The program will take place at the Two River Theater from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and also features Ayinde Johnson's new book, “The Lesson: Abu’s Curiosity,” for ages 8 years old and up.

The free event is presented by the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center in Red Bank, in collaboration with the Red Bank Public Library, United Methodist Church of Red Bank, and Two River Theater, Bridge Avenue.

Those attending must register with Shanel@tthomasfortunefoundation.org. You can also click here.

This spirited cultural celebration of African drumming has a valuable lesson to be shared with the children by the author, organizers say.

Established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English, the National African American Read-In is a way young people, during Black History Month, can engage with works by Black authors.

Ayinde Johnson is featured on the Grammy Award-nominated spoken word album, “Grocery Shopping with My Mother,” by writer, poet, and Hip-Hop Historian, Kevin Powell. The 66th Grammy Awards will air on CBS on Feb. 4, at 8 p.m., organizers of the Read-In note.

The T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center is a National Historic Landmark, located at 94 Drs. James Parker Blvd., in Red Bank. Visit the website to learn more about Fortune, a noted Black journalist, current exhibits and the preservation of the house.