Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy, in partnership with the Albany County Legislature and the Legislative Black Caucus today hosted a virtual event in honor of Black History Month, “Living Through the COVID Pandemic,” with The RED (Read Each Day) Bookshelf Executive Director Paul “Batman” Collins-Hackett. They discussed the organization’s efforts to promote literacy and support education among Albany children and families, and how they’ve helped families who were forced to adapt during the pandemic. The County Executive also issued a proclamation declaring February Black History Month in Albany County.

“Black History Month is an important part of the year where we get the chance to celebrate the rich diversity and culture that exists here in Albany County. But it’s also an opportunity to highlight the racial injustices and inequities that continue to exist in our society, and those who are fighting to change those realities and improve lives,” said County Executive McCoy. “The disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on our black and brown communities are highlighting those inequities. The work of Paul and The RED Bookshelf in promoting literacy and readership, one block at a time, has never been more important, and it will continue to be important long after the pandemic is over.”

"The Covid-19 pandemic has shown the disparities once again in Black communities as opposed to other communities. Our Black Communities are being faced with stressors that impact them on a structural and interpersonal level. Even though there have been giant steps to eliminate racial discrimination within the Black community, it still exists throughout the country as well as the County of Albany,” said County Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Bill Clay.

“This year’s Black History Month takes on a whole new meaning as we address themes of representation and identity. COVID-19 has changed the way we govern, educate and even how we interact with one another. We thank Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Bill Clay and our friends at The RED Bookshelf for helping us examine these important themes and helping us all move forward in a positive, equitable way through this crisis," said Albany County Legislature Chairman Andrew Joyce. 

The RED Bookshelf was first established 2009 with a single room devoted to its mission of promoting literacy and inspiring an interest in reading by offering free books to children. They now have 20 different RED Bookshelves scattered throughout Albany. Some of their locations include the Albany County Family Court Children’s Center, the Albany County Child Advocacy Center, Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center, St. Peter’s Family Center, and the Albany 518 SNUG, among others.

Last year, COVID-19 closed many of the typical locations for RED Bookshelves, but the organization was undeterred. Using wagons, the owners of The Red Bookshelf instead canvassed entire neighborhoods handing out books. Last year alone, despite the ongoing pandemic, 35,000 books were distributed throughout the City of Albany. 

As part of the national theme of, “The Black Family and Identity,” this year for Black History Month, Executive Director Collins-Hackett discussed how family identities have been changed by COVID-19. With some parents and guardians forced to work more hours and unable to afford child care with schools being closed, many young people were forced to take on more responsibilities than ever before. Some had to step into adult roles, helping with things like supervising younger siblings, cooking, cleaning and more. The loss of jobs for some adults was an added stressor putting strain on families who may have already lacked resources. The RED Bookshelf strove to support those in diverse circumstances that exist within households.