Do you love books? Do you want to support local authors, illustrators, performers, and artists of color? Do you want to make a difference in your community? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you won't want to miss the They Look Like Me! Book Fair, hosted by the Burlington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
The book fair is a special event that celebrates diversity and literacy in honor of National Read Across America Day. It will feature a variety of books by local authors of color such as Dr. Pam Misher, Dr. Renita Webb, Mike Gammage, ourselves, and so many others. It will also include live performances and art exhibits by local talent. Attendees will have the chance to meet, chat, and learn from these talented creators, and discover new stories that reflect upon their own diverse identities and culture.
The They Look Like Me Book Fair is also a way to give back to the community and support the National Library Project, a historic initiative by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority that started in 1937. The project aimed to provide books and resources to schools and libraries in the Jim Crow South, where African-American students faced discrimination and segregation. The first school to benefit from the project was in Franklin County, North Carolina, where a book basket was delivered by the sorority members.
The project has evolved and adapted to the changing needs and challenges of different communities since then. Some of the activities that the project has undertaken over the years include:
Continuing to donate book baskets to schools and libraries in need
Contributing to the establishment and maintenance of community libraries
Purchasing a bookmobile that served African-American communities in Carroll County, Georgia
According to the NC Department of Public Instruction National Assessment, reading scores for North Carolina students dropped in 2022, with 39 percent of fourth graders and 34 percent of eighth graders scoring below basic achievement levels in their most recent national assessment. You can read more about this study by going here. The Burlington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is proud to carry on the legacy of the National Library Project by sponsoring the They Look Like Me Book Fair. As part of the event, the chapter will donate books to Eastlawn and Oakwood Elementary Schools two local schools that serve predominantly African-American students and have low reading scores. The chapter hopes that by providing these books, they can inspire and motivate the students to read more and improve their literacy skills one student and community at a time throughout NC.
Admission is free and open to the public. It will be a fun and educational experiences for the entire family. So, what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars and join us for the They Look Like Me Book Fair on March 2, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at North Park. You will not only enjoy a great selection of books, but also support a worth cause. We hope to see you there!
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