The African-American Literature Program began in January 2001 at the Airway Heights Correctional Facility in Airway Heights, WA. The program was started by five African-American inmates at the correction center who were concerned about the revolving door of inmates and about the number of younger men, some under 18, coming into the institution. The program was designed to help African-American inmates develop a sense of self-pride and self-worth as African-Americans and to help them to make more appropriate life choices by learning about African-American history and accomplishments, as well as to help develop an interest in African-American literature and reading in general. Although hesitant to permit a race specific program, the correctional center recognized the importance of the African-American Literature Program and awarded it the volunteer group of the year award. References