Clover Street Humanities Instructional Coach poses proudly with volunteers for the 3rd Annual African American Read-In.
For the third year in a row, Clover Street School came alive with the power of storytelling, culture, and community as it hosted its annual African American Read-In. This event, spearheaded by Humanities Instructional Coach TaLoria Wilson, has become a cornerstone of Windsor Public School’s commitment to representation and cultural enrichment.
Superintendent Dr. Terrell Hill enjoys a special moment with Clover Street students.
Each year, men of color from the Windsor community step into classrooms to read works by Black authors, amplifying voices and stories that reflect the rich history, resilience, and brilliance of Black culture. With each turn of a page, these guest readers engage students in narratives that celebrate identity and belonging, fostering an environment where every child can see themselves in the literature they read.
The impact of the Read-In is undeniable. Students who may not always be the most vocal in class light up with engagement as they listen to stories that reflect their own lived experiences. These moments of connection are powerful—not just for students, but for the readers themselves.
CABE President and Windsor Board of Education member Leonard Lockhart greets students at Clover Street school.
“The energy in the room is different when these gentlemen walk in and begin to read,” says TaLoria Wilson. “It’s an incredible professional development opportunity for educators to see how students who may not be as engaged on most days end up locked in when these men come in and bring these stories to life. That’s the power of representation.”
The presence of Black male role models in academic spaces is transformative. Seeing men from their own community, business owners, educators, mentors, and even members of the Divine 9 (Black Greek-letter organizations) actively participating in their learning journey sends a powerful message: your voice matters, your stories matter, and your future is limitless.
Beyond the pages of the books, the African American Read-In serves as a bridge between the school and the broader community. It fosters relationships, sparks meaningful conversations, and instills a sense of pride and belonging among students. This year’s event saw an overwhelming turnout of community members eager to share their time and wisdom, reinforcing the importance of collective responsibility in shaping the next generation.
As this tradition continues to grow, the vision remains clear, to celebrate Black voices, elevate student engagement, and create an enduring space where literature, identity, and empowerment intersect.
With each passing year, the African American Read-In cements itself as more than just an event it is a movement. A movement toward inclusive education, culturally responsive teaching, and stronger school-community ties.
A heartfelt thank you to all the incredible readers, organizers, and supporters who made this year’s Read-In a success. Your presence and commitment make a difference in the lives of our students, and we can’t wait to see this tradition continue to flourish.
#BlackHistoryMonth #BlackJoy #RepresentationMatters #weareWINdsor
-WPS Commications