This reading program is based in the “One Book” city-reads-a-book movement initiated in Seattle, Washington. Begun in 1996 by Nancy Pearl, executive director of the Washington Center for the Book at the Seattle Public Library, it has since spread to cities around the world. 

MoAD's One Book/One World program will be an annual event that will encourage communities around the world to read a book recommended by MoAD. The goals of this program are to foster literacy, initiate group and online discussions among diverse readers, and bring people together through the common bond of reading.

The MoAD program will be promoted to a variety of audiences including schools, with a focus on middle and high school students. The program will also be marketed to adult readers.

Books by authors from all parts of the African Diaspora will be considered for the annual program. To be considered, books must have been translated into at least two languages.

In addition to the One Book/One World reading program, ancillary programs will include a Film Series and the Writers of the African Diaspora Lecture Series. MoAD will partner with a local reading group to host three writers for the inaugural 2006 season of the Lectures and Conference series.