Documenting Black Student Reading Practices

Since 2018, I have led an oral history project focusing on Black students. In fall 2025, I narrowed the focus and began asking students more directly about their reading interests and habits. Undergraduates Al Smith and Joyce Woodard are assisting by conducting interviews and producing short reflections on reading, digital culture, and what they are learning through the interview process.

I’m especially excited to have Al and Joyce writing on a regular basis. In earlier stages of the project, we did not produce enough writing that reflected on what we were observing and learning in real time. We do not intend to repeat that oversight.

Together, we will document and share what we are learning. Over time, these entries will form a growing catalog of observations and findings about Black student reading practices and intellectual life.

Related:

• Academic Journeys project

• Notes on Black Readers & Digital Culture