The Needle's Eye Academy

09/06/2026

We kicked off this with Miriam Moran by celebrating the one-year anniversary of her mural by placing the Brilla Tu Luz Shine Your Light Bilingual Library (Charter No. 224058) on the World Map!

In 2014, Unite for Literacy introduced the first version of its interactive tool that analyzes NAEP, The Nation's Report Card data to depict the presence of book deserts. Dorchester Campaign For Grade Level Reading and Harvesting Hope have been tremendous local partners in reversing this trajectory in Dorchester County.

Carrying forward the legacy of Gloria Rojas in the City of Cambridge and far beyond, two census tracts are now zones of focus thanks to support from the Governor’s Commission on Hispanic & Latin American Community Affairs and the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture representing solidarity across diaspora.

Together, we took and signed a powerful pledge in unison:

📚 I believe that everyone should be able to see themselves in the pages of a book;

📚 I commit to talking to my friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors about ways we can collaborate to increase equity and inclusion in our community;

📚 I will use my passion for celebrating diversity to help others embrace diversity and fight for equity in their lives; and

📚 I will use the resources available to me to expand my worldview and share knowledge and resources generously with my community.

Thank you, Little Free Library. Read in Color® has taken root on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and is blossoming!

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11/11/2025

This , the Academy wishes to shine a unique light on two covered arcs of sacrifice forged by United States Colored Troops that continue to defy and empower.

On May 22, 1863, the War Department issued General Order No. 143 to establish a process for receiving African Americans into the armed forces. This order established the Bureau of Colored Troops, which designated African American regiments.

Their toil, not unlike the generations before them, embodied a deeper affirmation: where roots ran deep, there was no reason to fear the wind.

By end of the Civil War, ~180,000 African Americans served in the Union Army, and another ~19,000 served in the United States Navy.

Today, Unionville endures as what is believed to be the only village in the America founded by formerly enslaved soldiers and Trappe is home to Nace’s Day, one of the longest-running civic traditions on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

The Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture Statewide Book Drive was launched in 2023 to safeguard against the censorship and erasure of these histories.

In Drive I and Drive II, Academy leaders have collaborated with the to garner donation tallies that outnumbered all counties in MD.

Now, the first rural libraries of their kind—curated by tight-knit communities and proud descendants—have been erected within steps of the Unionville 18 burial grounds at St. Stephens A.M.E. Church and a Main Street public park whose namesake is Nathaniel ‘Nace’ Hopkins.

“It’s so important for young people to see themselves reflected in books,” said Academy co-founder .moaney.

2025 marks the fifth anniversary of the program. While the Academy is also celebrating five years of impact, increasing pledges and overcoming transportation barriers that stifle literacy access is a bold investment in our shared future and democracy.

PC: /Konner Metz

11/03/2025

09/16/2025

Acknowledgement. Empathy. Growth. Healing. Authenticity. Solidaridad 🌎💚📚

Those were the inspiring vibes during the launch of International Literacy Month and Latinx Heritage Month last weekend, thanks to the unflinching scholarship and heartwarming integrity of !

Over two days and spanning five counties, nearly 100 joined in community to trouble systemic injustices, identify intergenerational interventions and unlearn obstacles to true, transnational diaspora.

This collaboration, forged by diverse Washington College and Chesapeake College students, also realized an unprecedented unified front between the Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs and the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture.

In 2025, the Starr Center and Academy are each celebrating milestone anniversaries—25 years and 5 years, respectively. Regional programs like those anchored by Racial Innocence and the annual Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center Festival embody the critical power of coalitions across language and positionality.

Thank you to our allies and thought partners!

Eñe and the Talbot Family Network

08/09/2025

As we reflect on yet another dynamic Conference in the books and look ahead to International Month this anniversary year, please join us in congratulating the third Unbound Scholar—Maribel! ✨

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02/01/2025

2025 marks five years of impact for the Academy and, in true Chesapeake fashion, we’re beginning this milestone with a splash… QUITE LITERALLY🐻‍❄️🌊

Today, we brought books to and officially launch a new anniversary logo. Thanks to all who have supported scholars, our team, and our mission! 🏁📚

11/24/2024

GUESS WHAT? The Needle’s Eye Academy will be celebrating FIVE YEARS of unbound impact by bringing diverse books to the Chesapeake Bay next January with fellow inclusion champions… literally. Thank you for shining a light on our journey, !

This (Dec. 3), our co-founders are diving head-first into raising money for the Polar Bear Plunge—the largest in the 🌍

To reach our goal of $200, we need your help 🫵🏾🐻‍❄️🌊

Please, support the Academy by joining or donating to the team’s page! https://support.somd.org/team/620565

Each donation goes right to 19,000+ Special Olympics Maryland athletes and Unified® teammates that compete in 17 sports year-round, free of charge.

P.S. Don’t forget to share your ideas for what Maryland will read in 2025!

10/26/2024

A sincere message to the beautiful rural MD community we hold dear and protect:

Don’t let last week’s Freedom to Read Community Day of Action be the extent of your resistance. Make good trouble, disrupt unjust systems and validate nuanced truth.

Here are a few unapologetic equity champions who have joined us in realizing a more inclusive literary landscape 🎨📚

09/29/2024

During International Literacy Month 2024, we are excited to launch the latest series of Literacy Lightbulb Moments, highlighting the experiences of Latine leaders and members of our community 📚💡

First, we hear from Victoria Gomez Lozano— Hispanic Outreach Coordinator + Eastern Shore appointee to the Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

09/01/2024

In honor of International Month, please join us in congratulating the very first Unbound Scholars—Audrey and Fionn! ✨

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