The Big Read, a national grant program sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, is designed to revitalize the role of reading in American culture and bring the power of literature into the lives of its citizens.

This year’s Big Read promotes the reading of Zora Neale Hurston’s classic novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, between January 30 and March 15, 2010.

The Atlanta History Center encourages the entire city of Atlanta to get involved with The Big Read by reading the book, attending free programs, and promoting the initiative in their community. The Big Read launches on February 17, 2010 with a variety of FREE programming ranging from the Harlem Renaissance kick-off party to book readings and discussions to captivating living history performances and film series as well as tours of the Atlanta History Center’s exhibition Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits.

Teachers are also encouraged to get their classes involved with The Big Read through the use of teacher’s guides; reader’s guides; performances featuring Yvonne Singh; Traveling History Trunks; and an audio guide featuring a discussion by Hurston experts set to the music of the Harlem Renaissance.

Whether an avid reader or simply making up for lost time, everyone in Atlanta can take part in The Big Read. Read alone, read to another, join or even start a new book club or discussion group; discover what happens when all of Atlanta reads the same book.

Email us at TheBigRead@AtlantaHistoryCenter.com to participate and receive
information, updates, and program details!  
 

Public Program Highlights
All programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted

The Big Read Kick-Off: Harlem Renaissance Celebration
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
6:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: Atlanta History Center 

The Atlanta History Center’s Literary Center at Margaret Mitchell House presents a unique after-hours program with a nod to the Harlem Renaissance during the Big Read kick-off party. Guests enjoy living history performances by Yvonne Singh as she portrays Zora Neale Hurston, musical performances by singer/songwriter Kyshona Armstrong, and guided tours of the exhibition Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits. Light refreshments and a cash bar are available. The first 50 visitors through the door receive a free copy of Their Eyes Were Watching God.

An Evening with Dr. Deborah Plant
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
7:00 PM
Location: Decatur Public Library; 404.370.3070 

The Georgia Center for the Book presents a lecture with Zora Neale Hurston scholar Dr. Deborah Plant. Author of two books on Hurston including Every Tub Must Sit On Its Own Bottom: The Philosophy and Politics of Zora Neal Hurston and Zora Neale Hurston: A Biography of the Spirit, Plant discusses Hurston's personal philosophy of individualism and self-preservation. Plant also talks of Hurston's preacher father and her influential mother - whose guiding philosophy is reflected in the title of this book - as well as the influence of philosophers Baruch Spinoza and Friedrich Nietzsche. Through their works, Plant provides a perspective on the driving forces behind Hurston's powerful prose. This program is free of charge.

Keynote Lecture with Dr. Deborah Plant
Thursday, February 25, 2010
6:00 PM 
Location: Cosby Auditorium, Spelman College; www.spelman.edu

Spend an evening with Dr. Deborah Plant, author of two books on Hurston including Every Tub Must Sit On Its Own Bottom: The Philosophy and Politics of Zora Neal Hurston and Zora Neale Hurston: A Biography of the Spirit. Plant discusses Hurston's personal philosophy of individualism and self-preservation. Plant discusses Hurston's preacher father and influential mother - whose guiding philosophy is reflected in the title of this book - as well as the influences of philosophers Baruch Spinoza and Friedrich Nietzsche. Through their works, Plant provides a perspective on the driving forces behind Hurston's powerful prose. This program is free of charge.

Big Read Film Festival: Their Eyes Were Watching God and She's Gotta Have It
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Noon – 5:00 PM
Location: Atlanta History Center

Spend an afternoon exploring the parallels between writing and movies at this free film festival featuring the 2005 television adaptation of Their Eyes Were Watching God, starring Halle Berry, and Spike Lee’s first feature film, She’s Gotta Have It, which parallels Zora Neale Hurston’s novel. Due to the adult content of both films no one under 18 will be admitted without a parent or guardian. This program is free of charge. Reservations are requested. Please call 404.814.4150.

Valerie Boyd: Wrapped in Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston
Monday, March 8, 2010
7:00 PM
Location: Margaret Mitchell House

Join Valerie Boyd, an award-winning journalist and writer-in-residence at the University of Georgia, as she discusses her book, Wrapped in Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston. Boyd shares her insight on Hurston’s talent, remarkable drive, and intellectual prowess that resulted in a thirty-year career that resulted in four published novels, two books of folklore, an autobiography, numerous short stories, and several articles and plays. This program is free of charge. Reservations are requested. Please call 404.814.4150.