Though virtual, the annual MLK Read-In Day for children being held Saturday

On Saturday, Wake Forest University senior Zoe Chamberlin will read to area children during the annual MLK Read-In Day sponsored by WFU, Winston-Salem State University and HandsOn NWNC.

Read-In Day celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while promoting the importance of reading. This year it is being held virtually from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Children who have registered will automatically be sent the link for participation. 

Zoe Chamberlin

“On Friday on WSSU’s campus, my sorority sisters and I will hand out to parents the goodie bags and other supplies we packed for their children,” said Chamberlin, a senior computer science major from New York City. “On Saturday, we and other WFU students will serve as reading buddies.”

Chamberlin has participated in Read-In Day since her first year at Wake Forest because it embodies her core values and her desire to foster a love of education among young children, particularly Black children. She’s a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and president of Wake Women Lead and volunteers weekly to mentor and tutor Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools children. 

“Every year Read-In Day is extremely well-executed and well-attended, and the impact on the children and volunteers is incalculable,” Chamberlin said. “I truly believe this level of impact happens because of how well our universities work together.”

Camry Wilborn-Mercer, assistant director for community partnerships in the Office of Civic & Community Engagement (OCCE), said 53 children are expected to participate in Read-In Day 2022. Each child will receive a kit with activity materials, two books and a snack pack. 

“Wake Forest and Winston-Salem State students will walk the kids through the virtual activities, which include creating a dream cloud about who they hope to be when they grow up, and a letter of gratitude to someone who has impacted them,” Wilborn-Mercer said. “I’m so thrilled Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University and HandsOn NWNC are continuing this unique tradition and collaboration. Coming together to provide this resource for kids is the essence of Dr. King’s legacy.”