Trailblazing tales: An evening with actor, director and literacy advocate LeVar Burton
The atmosphere was palpable as an audience of nearly 900 community members, students, faculty and staff enthusiastically welcomed — with a standing ovation — actor, director and literacy advocate LeVar Burton on stage at East Carolina University on Nov. 14. The event, “An Evening with LeVar Burton,” was the first in the 18th season of the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences Voyages of Discovery Series.
Burton is an Emmy and Peabody award winner known for his roles as Kunte Kinte in the 1977 ABC television miniseries “Roots” and as chief engineer Geordi La Forge in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” However, he has said he is most proud of his role as host and executive producer of the beloved PBS children’s series “Reading Rainbow.” Airing from 1983 to 2009, it was not only one of the longest-running children’s television shows in history but also one of the most acclaimed, earning more than 200 awards, including multiple Emmys and a Peabody.
“Storytelling expands our perspective and brings us together, offering insightful mirrors into our own lives as well as windows into the awe and wonder of both the natural and imagined world,” said Dr. Allison S. Danell, dean of Harriot College, as she welcomed the audience. “From uncovering the stories of our cells in a biology lab to analyzing novel ideas in great works of literature, the arts and sciences play a vital role in the tales of our communities.”
Dr. Aleia Monae Brown, Whichard Distinguished Professor in the Humanities and associate professor in the Department of History, co-hosted and moderated the discussion.
Members of the audience give Burton a standing ovation as he enters the room and takes his place on stage for the Nov. 14 Voyage of Discovery event.
(Photo by Steven Mantilla)
In keeping with this season’s theme, “Trailblazing Tales: Telling the Stories of Our Communities,” Burton offered insights into his life, career, love of books, and the importance of curiosity and authenticity.
This was Burton’s second visit to the state in 30 days. He shared that he has roots in eastern North Carolina, where he has traced a female ancestor to the land where she was enslaved in Whitackers. Earlier on the day of his visit, Burton met a white cousin who still resides in Edgecombe County.
LeVar Burton reads a thank you card presented to him by the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences as he contemplates the scope and space of the venue where he later spoke to nearly 900 Voyages of Discovery series attendees.
(Photo by Rob Taylor Photography & Design)
“I’m still trying to process how I feel about that because I feel all kinds of ways, but I am happy to be here,” he said.
From “Reading Rainbow” to the “LeVar Burton Reads” podcast, Burton’s work is delivered with an invitational spirit to take a journey with him. He said he has learned that extending an invitation in an open-hearted spirit will be received that way nine times out of 10, and he goes where the story needs to be told.
He said we “crave acknowledgment and being seen” and thanked the audience for inviting him.
Burton’s love of reading began early on and was instilled in him by his single mother, Erma Gene. He said she read to him and his sisters, and read in front of them. Often, she was reading two or three books at a time.
“I grew up in a family where reading was like breathing,” Burton said.
He said our example and modeling is what shapes others, and that to instill a love of reading in our kids we have to ask ourselves, “How often do our kids see us read?”
In our current digital age and for Generation Z, he said he simply wants kids to read. It doesn’t matter if it is a book, audiobook, on a tablet or a phone. It is important for them to “find their jam,” and what they are passionate about.
Throughout the evening, Burton shared thoughts about his acting career, on curiosity and open communication, teaching discernment and critical thinking and supporting our teachers and librarians under siege.
“Every book is not for everybody, but there is somebody for every book,” Burton said when discussing the topic of book banning.
His discussions made a deep impact on many in attendance.
“LeVar Burton’s lecture on campus was genuinely inspirational. He was very personable, polite and candid about some of the most important challenges facing the modern world,” said Alexis Williams, a graduate student in the Department of Psychology. “As a student, I valued his sincere demeanor and his perceptive observations, which struck a deep connection and made an influence on everyone present.”
“‘Reading Rainbow’ was a cornerstone of my analog childhood. When I learned that Mr. Burton would be the guest speaker for Voyages of Discovery, I knew I had to attend,” said Ginger Grimes, administrative specialist in the Department of Biology. “While nostalgia for my own childhood drew me in, his talk resonated with me on a deeper level as a parent. Now raising three children in a digital age — one of whom is struggling with reading — Mr. Burton’s passion for literacy advocacy struck a powerful chord. His message left a lasting impact, reminding me of the vital role that reading and imagination play in shaping young minds.”
Members of the audience were enthusiastic and laughed at various points during Burton’s light-hearted discussion of serious topics.
(Photo by Steven Mantilla)
Grimes said some of her favorite quotes from Burton’s talk included “Be the light;” “The next step will always reveal itself;” and “Meet them where they are at,” when referring to children’s literacy.
As a lifelong literacy advocate, Burton has dedicated decades to encouraging children to read. In 2017, the longstanding literacy nonprofit, Reading is Fundamental, acquired Burton’s Skybrary reading app to provide access to millions of children at home and school. Committed to improving children’s education through the latest pioneering technologies, Burton partnered with Osmo’s Reading Adventure, an innovative technology that uses speech recognition and digital storytelling to teach children to read.
Led by Brown, Burton discussed several topics during the Voyages event. (Photo by Steven Mantilla)
Burton ended the evening with some thoughts on how the country feels deeply divided. But he used his example of discovering he has a cousin, whom he lovingly said is “melanin-challenged,” to impart that we can overcome our differences.
He said, “In America, we are practically all cousins. We don’t all like all of our cousins, but they are still kin.” He said our nation needs to make an effort to see each other clearly and be nicer to one another and that “it is a decision that we make in our hearts.”
“Kicking off the 18th season of Voyages of Discovery with literacy advocate and beloved public figure LeVar Burton was everything we hope our lectures will be: a thoughtful and inspiring exploration of the role that the arts and sciences play in our lives,” said Ashley Harzog, director of alumni relations and outreach for Harriot College. “From discussions of his career to how to be a kind human in an increasingly fragmented world, Burton’s visit reminded us all of the power of the humanities to make a major difference in each of our communities.”
Burton’s event was co-hosted by Harriot College Dean’s Advancement Council member Harvey S. Wooten; Brown and the Whichard Distinguished Professorship in the Humanities; ECU Academic Library Services; Friends of Sheppard Memorial Library; and the Eutsler Lecture in Children’s Literature, with additional support from many ECU and community and corporate sponsors.
On Jan. 30, Harriot College will continue to entice the community with tales and stories from Jeff Corwin, biologist, wildlife conservationist and creator and host of the ABC television series “Wildlife Nation: With Jeff Corwin,” at the season’s final event, “Tales from the field with Jeff Corwin.” For additional information, visit the Voyages website.
A crowd of nearly 900 attendees was delighted to hear from iconic actor and literacy advocate LeVar Burton on Nov. 14 on ECU’s campus. (Photo by Steven Mantilla)