By André Walker
Books will once again unite the world in celebration of Africa and the African diaspora during a read-a-thon led by the Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora (CSAD) at Georgia State University.
The third annual CSAD Global Read-a-Thon is set for Feb. 26 and will feature authors, performers, special guests and more, sharing stories about diverse migrant experiences spanning Africa and the African diaspora.
This year’s theme, “Roots: The Journey of Us,” emphasizes the paths taken across Africa and the African diaspora, from West Africa to the Americas, the Great Migration from the American South to the North and beyond.
“The very definition of ‘Roots: The Journey of Us’ is to focus on our journeys, starting on the African continent and expanding throughout the world,” said Edvige Jean-François, executive director of CSAD. “This event not only highlights the migration and movement of people of African descent but also celebrates the rich cultural and historical contributions they have made globally.”
Partners from Ghana, Ethiopia and Brazil will join the read-a-thon for the first time this year. Germany returns for the third year in a row. They will be featured alongside U.S. participants from Rice University, the University of Kentucky, Scripps College and Kennesaw State University.
A new addition to this year’s event is a partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB). The state PBS affiliate will stream the read-a-thon’s first two hours live on its website.
“Expanding the read-a-thon’s footprint helps us bring the rich literary traditions of the African diaspora to a wider audience,” Jean-François said. “We’re thrilled to partner with Georgia State University to bring this event to life and share these powerful stories with even more people.”
Suzanne Malveaux, the award-winning former CNN anchor and White House correspondent, will return as host. She has been instrumental to the event’s success, bringing her journalistic and international expertise to the read-a-thon.
Legendary Atlanta journalist Monica Kaufman Pearson will be a featured guest bringing her passion for education and heart to the event.
The read-a-thon promises to be a vibrant and engaging event, featuring readings from notable authors such as Kiese Laymon, Myriam J.A. Chancy and Frank X Walker. Two-time Academy Award nominee Djimon Hounsou, who starred in “Amistad” and “Gladiator,” will participate as well. The Burundi Drummers of Atlanta will also perform, showcasing the talent and traditions exhibited in the 2018 Marvel Studios film “Black Panther.”
“CSAD’s Global Read-a-Thon continues to be an initiative that engages the Georgia State community and also appeals to the larger Atlanta and world communities that celebrate and come together around the uniting power of books,” said Professor of English Elizabeth West, director of academics for CSAD and the Amos Distinguished Chair in English Letters.
The livestream will be available on multiple platforms, including Twitch, YouTube, Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.
For more information, including the streaming schedule, visit csad.gsu.edu/2025-csad-global-read-a-thon.
The Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora is an academic research center focused on increasing worldwide understanding of people from Africa and the African diaspora and their ongoing contributions to the world. CSAD, which is housed in the College of Arts & Sciences at Georgia State, brings together public- and private-sector scholars, thinkers and innovators with a shared purpose of addressing critical issues affecting Africa and its diaspora, and finding solutions to build a more equitable, just and principled society. To learn more about CSAD, visit csad.gsu.edu.
