NEA Big Read BԪ — a community-wide reading program funded by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with Arts Midwest — is in full swing after hosting multiple events in Westchester County, the Bronx, Manhattan and virtually since September 2022. Events will continue through April 2023. The program has expanded BԪ’s community impact, helping to promote literacy, community and cross-cultural understanding.
BԪ is one of 62 organizations nationwide participating in the NEA Big Read program this year — and one of only three in New York State. NEA Big Read BԪ is presented in partnership with several local and national organizations, including the Latino U College Access (LUCA), the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), 100 Hispanic Women, the Dobbs Ferry Public Library and the Greenburgh Public Library.
Most of the NEA Big Read BԪ events focus on exploring the book “Infinite Country” by Patricia Engel, which chronicles a Colombian family fractured by deportation. There are also two companion books with related themes that aim to engage audiences of all ages: a young adult novel, “Clap When You Land” by Elizabeth Acevedo, and a picture book, “Areli is a Dreamer: A True Story” by Areli Morales.
“It seemed like the themes in the books would really resonate with the BԪ community and deepen our identity as a Hispanic-Serving Institution,” said Irina Ellison, associate dean of the School of Health and Natural Sciences and project director for the NEA grant.
In September, the NEA Big Read BԪ kick-off event featured Engel In conversation with Mercy Professor of English Celia Reissig-Vasile, Engel shared why she chose to write the book and how her identity informs her writing.
NEA Big Read BԪ organized several book discussions over the past few months. In November, there was a book discussion about “Clap Where You Land” at the Greenburgh Public Library. In an event at the Dobbs Ferry Public Library, children enjoyed a bilingual read-aloud of the book "Areli is a Dreamer” followed by an art activity. NEA Big Read BԪ also led a virtual discussion of “Infinite Country” with alumni.
Presentations by BԪ faculty members have deepened readers’ knowledge of topics relevant to “Infinite Country.” In partnership with the Dobbs Ferry Public Library, NEA Big Read BԪ hosted a panel discussion on the Latinx immigrant experience, which included panelist Adriana Flores ’25. Assistant Professor of nursing Miriam Ford, Ph.D., spoke at the Bronx Campus about her experiences providing health care to immigrants at the border.
Other events encouraged comparative study of the arts. For example, NEA Big Read BԪ screened the 2020 film “Blast Beat” at MercyManhattan. The film relates to the story and themes in “Infinite Country.”
With events continuing through April, there are still many opportunities to get involved with NEA Big Read BԪ:
- Thursday, February 9, 4 – 5 p.m. (Dobbs Ferry Campus): Heritage concert by GoCreative Programs
- February (date TBD, MercyManhattan): Student book discussion — with HACU, PASE and YouthBridge-NY
- February (date and location TBD): Presentation on Latinx student identity in the U.S. by Assistant Professor of Literacy and Multilingual Studies Victoria Núñez, Ph.D.
- March (date and location TBD): Presentation on Colombia’s social and political history by Assistant Professor of History Andrés Matías-Ortiz
- March (date TBD, virtual): Women’s History Month book discussion — with 100 Hispanic Women and Mercy’s Women Leadership Group
- April (date TBD, virtual): Global Honors Program book discussion — with LUCA
- April (date TBD, virtual): Workshop on Colombia’s flora and fauna hosted by Art in the Lab
Anyone interested in attending upcoming events can visit the NEA Big Read BԪ webpage for finalized dates and locations.
