Brown County READS 2024

Become a part of the county-wide read of “All That She Carried” by Tiya Miles.

A history of a mother’s gift and a story love, hope and resilience. “All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley’s Sack, a Black Family Keepsake” explores the roles of treasured objects in our lives, and the resourcefulness of generations of women determined to preserve their family history against all odds. 

Copies of “All That She Carried” are available for checkout at both Library branches beginning August 1st. Participants will have the month of August to read the book and then join us for a group discussion and chance to share your thoughts about the book.

The following evening, Arts for Learning teaching artist Portia Sholar Jackson will present an evening of storytelling, with stories of Black history intertwined with original stories exploring themes from “All That She Carried.”

Portia Sholar Jackson is a graduate of Arsenal Technical High School of Indianapolis where she credits the Speech team and Drama Department for a rich beginning in the arts. Portia attended Indiana University Bloomington and earned a degree in elementary education and a minor in African-American Studies. The power of her voice and her dramatic interpretations leaves listeners spellbound as she makes the words of legendary black women like Harriet Tubman and Mary McLeod Bethune take on new meaning.

Storytelling has allowed Portia to weave her two loves of teaching and the arts into a successful career. This very talented artist founded and directs a traveling Storytelling troupe, The Freedom Train, that has 12 members. The troupe presents stories to audiences of all ages throughout the country and emphasizes such topics as cultural awareness, self-esteem, decision-making skills, and American history.

All Brown County readers are invited to join in the discussion and enjoy the storytelling.


Brown County READS
Book discussion · Monday, August 26 · 5:30 pm

Stories of Strength: Storytelling with Portia Sholar Jackson
Tuesday, August 27 · 6 pm
Ideal for adults and kids grade 4 and up, but all ages welcome.

RSVP requested