Promoting Literacy in the Bronx

How do you promote literacy in the Bronx, and why are you passionate about it? 

I am extremely passionate about reading, and it started at the tender age of four or five.  After my parents divorced we were on a budget.  But just like old fashion mothers in the 70’s, who believed children should know as little as possible about grown folks business, I never knew we were considered poor. 

My mother made such a production when it was time to read. She would hype the occasion all through dinner about that evening’s reading. My mother would even announce how special the book was for a special child which, was me at the time. It never dawned on me, she read to me a lot because we could not afford anything else—no trips, movies, special toys and etc. But it was ok, because she had 1000 voices for each book and I became lost inside of each one. That wonderful and magical time my mother cut out to read to me strengthen our bond to this day. She became my best friend and my hero.

After I was hooked to our nightly reading routine, I remember my mother surprising me one day over an ice cream sundae that I had won something and the prize was a library card from the New York Public Library. I was overjoyed.

The passion for books just grew like wild ivy found in neighborhood parks. I was hooked on reading and there was no stopping me.  As I reflect on my childhood, I even remember how she did not want to poison my joy of reading by stating “You are in trouble!  Go to your room and read a book.”  My mother did the opposite. She would yell at me about my behavior and send me in my room and strongly suggest not to pick up and read anything.  She wanted to remind me reading was fun and that this moment was not for fun, but reflecting on what I had done.  It worked, I was miserable.  As I sat there sulking, I saw comic books like Archie, the magazines such as, Highlights, and all the books on the shelves.  I was truly sicken not being able to read.  Now, I chuckle to myself about those days and it is so clear as if it was yesterday. Her mission was to introduced me to my first love “ books.”

When I became a teacher and then went back to school for a media specialist license my first goal was to help children fall in love with books, too. I wanted to introduce them to a variety of multicultural books, so that they might have the opportunity to have a rich learning experience. Next, I wanted to draw different connections to the text, so that the students would be engaged and reflective learners. It was so important to introduce books, plant seeds for loving books, and  lastly help nurturing lifelong readers.

Over the years, I have created after-school book clubs, lunch time book clubs, and then introduce book of the month.  Sometimes I would have a book for each student and other times just one book to read.  I knew I had to transform into my mother and have the VOICE, as if I was the sole reader. The VOICE would hypnotize my listeners and they would beg me to keep reading.  Twice a year I incorporated “ Switch A Book” events, where the entire school donated lightly used books and we switched with someone else. Other special events to promote reading was to have Literacy Events for parents at least three times a year. As I look back over the years, depending on the grade, the students fell in love with the following books: Rocky Road, Henry’s Freedom Box, The Lions of Little Rock, Stone Fox, Monkey Island and recently Sulwe.

What is a book that has been meaningful to you? Who is someone that has mentored or inspired you? 

One of my favorite books that gave me and the students hope and empowerment was We Beat The Streets by Sampson Davis, George Jenkins and Rameck Hunt. A powerful book about friendship, family and faith. This story reminds readers that their situation is not their destiny. It reminds the reader that their choices in life determines their destiny and it starts early and not when you become an adult. When you are young it is important to learn how to have good habits and delete bad habits from your life’s routine. Whenever I read this book to myself or in a club, I feel hopeful that the book will touch someone.

When I think about who has inspired me, I think of about Maya Angelou. Ms. Angelou lived with a mission, courage, passion, and a purpose. She wrote with elegance, conviction, meaningfulness, and encouragement. When I think of Ms. Angelou I think of the Voice. The Voice that captivates, hypnotizes and keeps the reader engaged.

What is your hope for The Bronx and how do you envision being a part of that? 

As a lifelong reader and a teacher I see myself as a vessel and I want to point children and parents toward the love of reading. My dream is for Bronx students to have access to reading and see themselves as readers.  I want to continue to promote registering for NYPL Library Cards and also getting books into the hands of readers by having book drives. My goal is to create fun and personal relevant experiences for minority children who live in the Bronx.