More than 200 people kicked off Black History Month by celebrating African American literature and literacy yesterday afternoon in the HUB Auditorium.

The African American Read-In, held in the auditorium, featured readings and vocal performances by people of all ages.

"I think it helps younger kids start reading books by different authors at a young age," Mary Inks (senior- English) said. "When I was in elementary school I wasn't exposed to anything like this."

The African American Read-In has been celebrated nationally for 18 years on the first Sunday and Monday of February.

It is part of the National Literacy Campaign sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English-Black Caucus and the International Reading Association.

More than one million people from 49 states have participated.

The goal of the event is to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month.

This is the ninth year Penn State is hosting a Read-In.

Elaine Richardson, an English professor in charge of the event, said she thought it was important for the university to host Read-Ins.

"It's important as a community to show that we care about black literature," she said. "It's great for the kids, too. There is not enough of it in the school curriculum," she added.

QNice, a professional spoken word artist who performed at the event, said he thought the writing contest was valuable.

"I think it's important for the kids to learn how to express themselves at a young age. It opens them up to a new world and can help them with problems many young kids experience, particularly with self-esteem," he said.

The Read-In also included a black history trivia game by the Fairmont School/Delta Program's African-American literature class, in addition to a presentation of awards to writing contest winners from schools in the area.

Contest winners received a certificate, a check, and one of the books donated by the Penn State Bookstore, Webster's Bookstore Café and English professor Keith Gilyard.

Several students read their winning pieces to the audience.

Jennifer Georges, an 8th grader at Mount Nittany Middle School who was recognized for her poem entitled "I am Black and Proud," said she had a good time at the Read-In and would return next year.

There will be another Read-In from 12:30-2:30 p.m. today in the Foster Auditorium of the Pattee Library. H. Samy Alim, author of Roc the Mic: The Language of Hip-Hop Culture, will be speaking.