Readings on Race and Rights
Community members who are interested in participating in Readings on Race and Rights are welcome to join. This reading and discussion series is open to individuals who want to engage in thoughtful dialogue around race, civil rights, and social justice in a respectful and educational space.
To request participation information or receive the Zoom link, please email:
3241naacp@gmail.com
2026 Reading Schedule
Readings on Race and Rights
The Readings on Race and Rights series is overseen by the NAACP Morgantown/Kingwood Branch Education Committee. Meetings are held virtually via Zoom on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
January & February 2026 Book Selection
Voter Suppression in U.S. Elections – Jim Downs in Conversation with Stacey Abrams, Carol Anderson, Heather Cox Richardson, and Others.”
(History in the Headlines)
This selection examines the historical and contemporary realities of voter suppression in the United States, providing critical context for understanding voting rights, civic access, and democratic participation.
Reading & Discussion Schedule:
- Thursday, January 15, 2026
Introduction through page 90 - Thursday, February 19, 2026
Pages 91–148
March & April 2026 Book Selection
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
In March and April, participants will read The New Jim Crow, a foundational text examining mass incarceration, racial inequality, and the criminal legal system in the United States.
Specific reading assignments for March and April will be shared with participants prior to each session.
About the Series
Readings on Race and Rights provides a structured space for education, reflection, and dialogue around civil rights, systemic inequities, and social justice. Discussions are facilitated to encourage learning, historical awareness, and civic engagement in alignment with the mission of the NAACP.
Purpose and Focus
The Readings on Race and Rights is designed to:
- Promote critical reflection and dialogue around race, identity, and systemic inequities
- Increase public understanding of civil rights history, particularly within Appalachian and West Virginia contexts
- Encourage civic engagement and informed participation in conversations about justice, policy, and social change
The initiative emphasizes accessible education, making complex social and historical topics approachable through guided readings, discussions, and community-centered learning.
Programming and Activities
Programming associated with the NAACP Education Committee and The Readings on Race and Rights has included:
- Curated reading lists and facilitated discussions
- Public lectures, panels, and educational events
- Collaborations with universities, community organizations, and advocacy groups
- Youth, student, and community-focused learning opportunities
These activities are intended to foster respectful dialogue, deepen historical awareness, and support collective learning around equity and inclusion.