University of Dayton, partners receive grant for community reading project – Catholic Telegraph

DAYTON, Ohio — The University of Dayton will lead a community reading project that aims to inspire meaningful conversations, elevate voices and build stronger connections with a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

UD’s Fitz Center for Leadership in Community, in partnership with Dayton Metro Library, Daybreak Youth Services, the African American Visual Artist Guild and the Paul Lawrence Dubar House and others, will offer programs centered on Yaa Gyasi’s novel “Homegoing” as part of the yearlong national Big Read initiative.

“We chose ‘Homegoing’ as a powerful catalyst for discussing slavery’s legacy, racism, and identity. Through this book, we aim to deepen our understanding of the history and people of our community,” said Lauren Poor, director of public humanities and arts in the Fitz Center.

The novel traces the lives of Ghanaian half-sisters and their descendants across generations and continents. It delves into the enduring impact of slavery and colonialism on individuals and family legacies.

Dayton’s NEA Big Read begins with a public kick-off at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, in the Forum at Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third St. Future events will include creative writing workshops, art exhibitions, a poetry contest, a public reading poetry showcase, and a public lecture panel.

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

More information is available on UD’s website.