The Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora (CSAD) at GSU aims to unite the world around literacy and reading, with special emphasis on books that celebrate Africa and the African Diaspora.

For Black people in the U.S., books are not only invaluable learning tools but powerful symbols of freedom. It was unlawful for African Americans to learn how to read or write during slavery, with the enslaved being cruelly punished just for daring to pick up a book

The current assault on books is not new nor uniquely American. This centuries-old practice continues to threaten freedom of expression and scholarship globally. According to PEN American, an organization that promotes literary freedom, in the 2021-2022 school year, more than 2500 books were banned in more than 30 states.  The organization found that the most targeted books feature “… protagonists of color, dealing with issues of race, or highlighting LGBTQ+ characters.” Among the most banned books and authors is The Bluest Eye by Nobel laureate, Toni Morrison.

Whether sharing books that have been banned, introducing literary classics to a new audience, or unveiling new publications, the CSAD Global Read-a-Thon is a continuous literacy and book promoting virtual celebration.