African American Read-In takes Stacy to Brown Academy

Goin’ Someplace Special by Patricia C. McKissack and Jerry Pinkney was the book Chancellor Bill Stacy read to a wonderful group of fourth and fifth graders at Brown Academy for Classical Studies as part of the 2003 African American Read-In on Monday, February 3, a nation-wide program sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English.

Stacy explained that the author of the book experienced hurtful events of exclusion because of Jim Crow laws in effect in the 1950s. Students asked about the age of McKissack, and compared her experiences to Rosa Parks.

Although McKissack was turned away from several public places, there were others in the book who showed her kindness. Stacy brought pretzels, drinks and a rose for each student so they would remember that kindness.

Where is the "someplace special" mentioned in the title of the book? Stacy and the students of Brown Academy invite you to visit your public library, where you can borrow the book and find the answer!