About Us
Bringing Readers Together, One Story at a Time
Founded with a passion for literature and community, our book club is a welcoming space for readers of all backgrounds. We gather each month to explore powerful stories, share thoughtful conversations, and celebrate the voices that shape our world — one page at a time.
HISTORY
In September 1993, Wilene Dozier and Felice Franklin attended a book signing of Tina McElroy Ansa’s novel Ugly Ways at The Book Mark in Atlantic Beach, Florida. They realized that there were a significant number of African Americans at the signing. Wilene stated that there should be an African American book club in Jacksonville that could host book signings and other events. They resolved to contact individuals who would be interested in forming a book club. An organizational meeting was held at the home of Felice Franklin on the first Friday of October 1993. It was determined that Felice would be the coordinator of the group and Wilene would be the facilitator. Hence the book club, then known as “The Reading Group”, was formed. The first book discussion was held on November 3, 1993 at the home of Marya Randolph. The book for discussion was Disappearing Acts by Terry McMillian.
On August 5, 1994 “The Reading Group” officially voted on a name for the organization. After two months of debates and a hard fought battle the organization became known as People Reading for Inspiration, Discussion and Enjoyment (P.R.I.D.E.). The acronym P.R.I.D.E. was recommended by Max Anderson. P.R.I.D.E. defeated “We Be Readin’ a name suggested by Greg Miller.
P.R.I.D.E. initially met on the first Friday of each month at 7:00 PM, except when the first Friday coincides with a holiday at which time meetings were held on the second Friday or moved to Saturday. Currently, meetings are held primarily on Saturday between 1:00 and 4:00 PM and the time is determined by the host and members. Anniversary meetings are held during November based on the availability of the guest author and facility.
Our mission is “To promote literacy in the Jacksonville community with a focus on African American literature”.
Meeting Structure
The book discussions are held for two hours. P.R.I.D.E. utilizes a designated facilitator however any member can facilitate the discussions. The facilitator is responsible for establishing the pace of the discussion and ensuring that the discussion stays on target.
Refreshments are provided by the host and / or by the members. Refreshments are enjoyed before, during or after the discussion at the digression of the host or members.
Book Selection Procedure
New book selections are held before or immediately following the formal discussion. P.R.I.D.E. book selections alternate between fiction and non-fiction books. There is no limit to the number of books that may be nominated for discussion by the members. Any book, by any author or subject matter may be nominated for discussion although our focus is primarily African American characters, authors and subject matter.
Books are selected by a majority vote with two rounds of voting. The first round is to eliminate all but two books from the selection process. The second round is to select one of the two books for discussion. If, in the first round, more than two books receive the same number of votes there is a run-off between the books and a simple majority vote determines which book will move into the second round. The book which receives a simple majority is discussed. Books are usually selected several months in advance to allow ample time to prepare for the book discussion.
Meeting Structure
- Currently, book club meetings are held via zoom or Facebook live and by members, EWU, Jacksonville libraries, museums, bookstores and at various other businesses and locations.
- Initially book club meetings were hosted at the homes of the members.
- In early 1994 P.R.I.D.E. established a north side and south side meeting location.
- Williamsburg Village Apartments was the south side location where nonfiction books were discussed. The meetings were hosted by Gil Smith.
- Northwest Training Center served as the north side location and fiction books were discussed. Wilene Dozier hosted the meetings.
- In 1995 Ethnic Elegance became the second south side location replacing Williamsburg Village Apartment.
- In February 1997 Bradham Brooks Library became the north side meeting location replacing Northwest Training Center. James Peterson and Friends of the Library hosted the book club meetings.
In October 1998, Nefertiti Books & Gifts became the 3rd north side meeting location.
MEMBERSHIP
To be a member of P.R.I.D.E. requires that an individual attend one book club meeting and have a desire to be a part of the group.
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
There are no dues required to be a part of P.R.I.D.E. Members host meetings on a voluntary bases at their own expense. However, there are costs periodically for special events such as the anniversary dinner.