In a special Black History Month episode of Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real, host Tracey Williams-Dillard is joined by two Twin Cities librarians who are helping keep Black stories alive through books, community, and shared experience.
This episode features Alexis Phillips, Supervisor at Webber Park Library, and Isy Ibibo, Librarian at Brooklyn Park Library. Together, they explore the power of reading Black history aloud and the role libraries play in preserving culture, memory, and imagination.
At the center of the conversation is the upcoming Black History Month Read-In at Sumner Library, taking place Saturday, February 22, from 1–4 PM. Phillips and Ibibo break down what a read-in really is and why it matters. Far from a formal or intimidating event, the read-in is designed as an open, welcoming space where people of all ages and comfort levels can participate.
Listeners learn that participation does not require being a confident public speaker. Attendees can read a short excerpt, listen and support others, or simply be present in the space. The librarians also explain that participants are welcome to share their own creative work, including poetry and original writing, alongside published texts.
The conversation reflects on the success and energy of last year’s read-in, highlighting how community members showed up not just to read, but to connect. Phillips and Ibibo tease what’s new this year, from featured readings to the overall atmosphere, emphasizing that each read-in grows organically based on who walks through the doors.
A key part of the episode focuses on why Sumner Library holds such deep meaning for the Black community. The librarians discuss the importance of the Gary N. Sudduth Collection, a significant archive housed at Sumner that documents Black history, culture, and life in Minnesota. The collection serves as both a historical record and a living resource, grounding the read-in in a space that honors Black legacy.
Throughout the episode, Phillips and Ibibo also share recommended books and excerpts, offering listeners inspiration for what they might choose to read or explore during Black History Month. Their enthusiasm underscores a central theme of the conversation: libraries are not just buildings filled with books, but community spaces where stories are shared, protected, and passed on.
This episode of Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real is a celebration of Black voices, Black literature, and collective storytelling. It invites listeners to engage with Black History Month in a way that is participatory, joyful, and rooted in community care.