The late historian John Hope Franklin speaks to the group about his book ‘Runaway Slaves.
The invitation read, “ For some time now, I have been thinking about starting a literary guild or book club where members come together once a month to discuss the literature of the African diaspora.” This letter was mailed in February 1989 and was the beginning of a 25-year reading experience. Pat Wheeler who sent the letter, along with Debra Woods, started the African American Literary Guild: We be Readin’. Last month, Oct. 25, the 18-member coed book club celebrated 25 years of continuous reading.
Book club members representing a variety of professions including psychology, communications, engineering, photography and the ubiquitous Washington attorneys engage in lively, wide-ranging discussions, which while primarily focusing on the African American and Black diaspora experiences can also include other general literature. The book discussions are held once a month and while the group discusses the book, the conversations usually end up with discussions on politics, the arts and just about any topic currently in the news.
The group celebrated their 25th anniversary in a special way; they invited other book club members to participate in a panel about their clubs experiences and reading habits. The celebration also included a fun skit about a book club member’s failure to read a book as promised with dire consequences, a tribute to book club members who have passed away and a presentation about our favorite books.
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson was the favorite book that members read in the last five years. One member designated the book her favorite because of its “depth, educational value and clear coherent explanation of our life stories.” Other top choices were Devil in the Grove by Gilbert King, The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, The Rebellious Life of Rosa Parks by Jeanne Theoharis and Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.
Favorite fiction reads included I Am Not Sidney Poitier by Percival Everett, Home by Toni Morrison, Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi Durrow and Little Green by Walter Mosley.
Oct. 25 anniversary celebration included former and present members.
We be Readin’ members also discussed what makes the book club so special to them. Jason Miccolo Johnson, a professional photographer, put it this way, “Part of the longevity of our book club lies in the diversity of our members’ personalities, work and life experiences. This diversity informs each person’s perspective. But it is what we share in common that binds us. We are relatively of the same generation and share a certain type of ‘old school’ upbringing and culture. We are passionate. We are thoughtful. We are gregarious. We are independent. Yet, we are supportive of each other.”
JoAnn Henry, one of the book club’s charter members, gave her reasons for the success of the group, “Everyone’s voice is heard. Each book club meeting brings new revelations about ourselves. We don’t always agree on everything, which makes our discussions that much spicier and memorable. We can fuss and discuss, argue and say nasty things, but in the end, we do respect each other, which is a prerequisite to staying.”
And another charter member, Kathleen Halley, adds, “Members bring their individual histories and personal experiences to our discussions. I have loved hearing the many life stories and varied opinions of members. I am moved by and enjoy the revealing, poignant, and often hilarious story-telling that takes place during our second-Sunday gatherings.”
A member who moved to Arizona came back to Washington for the October celebration. “While we may have changed physically over these 25 years, we still retain the intellectual curiosity, flexibility and humor that has sustained us over that time. What I miss most about no longer residing in the D.C. area are family and friends, and I count all of you as my friends,” said Michael Mobley.
Over the years, the book club has seen many changes in the membership but the group continues to evolve and grow. Henry summed it up the best, “Over the past 25 years we’ve rejoiced at weddings, held steadfast at funerals and welcomed new babies and grand-babies into the world.”
