09/08/2026
Before many of our stories were placed on bookshelves, they lived in our voices.
They were carried through conversations, family memories, testimony, music, sermons, and oral histories passed from one generation to the next.
Putting our stories on paper helps ensure they are not forgotten, rewritten, or erased.
That is why Black Reading Month matters.
Black Reading Month began in Detroit in 1980 when Malik and Nkiruka Yakini, Osei Nxele, Helen Ray, and David Rambeau formed the Black Reading Month Committee.
Their purpose was clear: encourage people to read Black authors, deepen their understanding of Black history and culture, strengthen reading habits, and support Black literary voices.
In 1985, Njia Kai expanded that invitation through the Turn Off the TV Challenge, asking people to reclaim time from television and give it back to reading.
More than four decades later, we are still answering that call.
We read Black because our voices matter.
We read Black because our history deserves to be preserved.
We read Black because Black writers are documenting our lives, confronting our realities, and imagining worlds where we are seen in our fullness.
We read Black because our stories deserve readers.
In honor of Black Reading Month, Pause With Dr. Stacia is presenting Shut Up & Read at Cohésion Collective.
This is more than an event. It is our contribution to a tradition of making intentional time for Black books, Black voices, reflection, and community.
Bring your own book. Purchase one at COHÉSION. Choose from the free books available. Journal. Reflect. Browse quietly. Or simply sit in a calm space with others.
No assigned book. No required discussion. No pressure to perform.
Sunday, September 27
Doors open at 12:30 PM
Gathering from 1:00 to 4:00 PM
COHÉSION Collective, Suite 107
2224 Northwestern Avenue, Racine
Free to attend. Seats are limited.
RSVP at pauseshop.staciathompson.com/read
READ BLACK. LEARN BLACK HISTORY. SUPPORT BLACK AUTHORS.
READ IF YOU WANT. PAUSE IF YOU NEED.
