11/10/2020
I am excited to announce the publication of my children’s book series and our community book drive in coordination with S. DeKalb Schools Regions 5, 6 & 7. The highly anticipated book launch focuses on bringing the joy of reading and learning to at-risk children in local community schools. These children often live in communities with a history of less-than-optimal literacy. I have released the first eleven titles of a relatable book series to benefit the non-profit organization Community Alliances and Improvements, where I am the current Chair, Founder, and advocate for “Community First.” The first 11 children's storybooks, which introduce the series, encourage parents, family, and extended family/community members to read to children from a very early age. Two of the delightful books (also in Spanish) are titled, “Mommy Teach Me How to Count,” and “Daddy Teach Me How to Ride My Bike."
“If there are areas of proportionate disparity for children of color, they are in education and particularly, early literacy,” I believe. “For many years, our Black and Brown neighbors have intently put great energy into equality awareness and activism with very little result. People are seeing the symptoms of educational neglect. As a former juvenile court guardian ad litem and a volunteer juvenile representative, I have been a witness to so many children ending up in criminal activities, detention, prison, and unfortunately, death due to the lack of preventive educational measures. "When you can't read, you are often bored at school. And, when you are bored, people chastised you, then you act out.""
“Most incarcerated individuals are often illiterate or have less than an eighth-grade education. Meanwhile, most states spend between $2,800 and $9,500 per child yearly for education, yet $38,000 to $50,000 to incarcerate juveniles and adults yearly. I have written these books to inspire learning in the lives of young people unable to make those choices for themselves. No one should wait for their kids to start school to learn how to read. Our children will be able to hold their own and one day be great candidates for college, graduate schools, and competitive careers. I want to elevate them to meet and exceed their potential. And, I believe that community like DeKalb can help."
Please join us in our book drive by donating a book from any author for ages 2-7 or you can buy one of my books or the entire series visit https://communityalliances.net/shop/, amazon.com or wherever books are sold- All proceeds will go in donated more books for that purpose. Please share.
