'Excited to read with everyone:' MassMu kicks off Big Read with book distribution Saturday
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
MASSILLON – The Big Read event returns with the distribution of this year's book, "Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi, during the kickoff event from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Massillon Museum.
The books are free.
It's the 17th consecutive year the museum has been awarded funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read program. MassMu is one of 62 nonprofits across the United States to be selected for a NEA Big Read grant to support the community reading program.
According to the NEA's website, the Big Read "aims to inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives, and build stronger connections in each community."
A committee of museum leaders, Massillon Public Library officials and community members reviewed a section of books offered by the NEA before choosing "Homegoing" as this year's pick.
How does Massillon Museum choose its Big Read book?
Stephanie Toole, museum education and outreach manager and NEA Big Read coordinator, said the committee heard from many readers interested in a selection that was a novel or historical fiction.
"Homegoing" examines the life of two half-sisters born in Ghana. The story traces eight generations, including one family that remains in Ghana and another that makes its way to America.
"It is one of my favorites. It is beautifully written," Toole said.
While the story is fictional, the narrative references historical events and discusses themes such as enslavement and how it impacted the sisters' lives.
"It's about family, identity, tradition and legacy," she said. "I think it is a great, quick read but I also found myself wanting to look online and read about topics (Gyasi) referenced. She wove bits of information into the story and it left me wanting to learn more."
What is the Little Read in Massillon?
In addition to the Big Read, the Little Read pairs Massillon City School students with age-appropriate books that mirror "Homegoing."
Through a sponsorship by One Tiger and the Massillon Rotary Foundation, Massillon kindergartners through third-graders will read "In the Small, Small Night" by Jane Kurtz.
Massillon sixth graders will read "The Kaya Girl" by Mamle Wolo.
Students at Washington High School will read "Homegoing" and get a question-and-answer session with the author.
"The relationships Big Read programs have facilitated with members of our community are deep-rooted; 2024 marks the 17th year Massillon Museum has been able to leverage the power of literature - alongside our key partner, Massillon Public Library - to explore how book themes connect to everything from fine art and drama to universal themes like family and tradition; our multidisciplinary approach to programming the Big Read makes the book selection approachable to all ages and interests in ways that are accessible and impactful," Museum Executive Director Alexandra Nicholis Coon said.
More Big Read events for 2024
More than two dozen events centered around the community reading program's book selection are planned.
Saturday's kickoff includes a performance by the EN-RICH-MENT drumline and Do the Mu from noon to 2 p.m. The free session for all ages will be led by Sue Scheetz, who will help participants create a neurographic drawing. All materials are provided.
Visitors can also explore three new exhibitions that complement the NEA Big Read: "Home Again: The Embodiment of Africa through Art and Fabric" in the main gallery; "Monica Jane Frisell and Adam Scher: Portrait of US" in Studio M; and "Family Means to Me" in the Fred F. Silk Community Room Gallery.
Other Big Read events include a Brown Bag Lunch on April 23 featuring Willis Gordon discussing the legacy of progress; Rhythms Concert with Rev. Robert Jones Sr. on April 25 and one-act plays May 3 at Lions Lincoln Theatre.
On May 2, Gyasi will join readers for a virtual keynote speech. Toole said participants can watch the livestream on the museum's Facebook page. Participants can submit questions during the talk or send questions ahead of the talk to education@massillonmuseum.org.
”The 2024 NEA Big Read will bring community members of all ages and backgrounds together for an exciting month of programming," Toole said. " We are very excited to read with everyone."
To learn more about Big Read events, visit www.massmu.org/BigRead.
Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.
This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon Museum kicks off 2024 Big Read Saturday with free books
