Friday, October 12, 2007
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – University of Maryland Eastern Shore President, Dr. Thelma B. Thompson, announces the 6th African American Read-in book selection, “Standing in the Shadows: Understanding and Overcoming Depression in Black Men” by award-winning reporter and author John Head.
Published in 2004, “Standing in the Shadows” chronicles Head’s personal experience with chronic depression and reveals the cultural and historic reasons why black men, in particular, suffer in silence. With his book, Head calls for the black community and the psychiatric community to lead the much needed discussions that may serve to begin to heal what was once considered taboo.
UMES is committed to promoting and celebrating literacy in-house as well as in conjunction with the nationally recognized African American Read-ins held in schools, churches, libraries, bookstores, community and professional organizations, and homes for the purpose of making literacy a significant part of Black History Month.
Due to the efforts of the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English, African American Read-ins have been in existence since 1990 and have involved more than one million readers all over the United States and abroad. Traditionally, Read-in packets are sent from one person to the other, creating a chain of people who plan Read-in events. The events are then held during Black History Month, when readers from all ethnic backgrounds congregate to read and celebrate the many accomplishments of African-American authors.
Detailed information about dates and times for the sixth annual African American Read-in will be forthcoming. For more information, call the UMES Office of Public Relations at 410-651-6669.
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Suzanne Waters Street, director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-621-2355, sstreet@umes.edu.
