Read to L.E.A.D is a school-based initiative that promotes literacy, positive self-esteem, and cultural awareness through literature with a focus on African-American students. The L.E.A.D. acronym stands for Learn Everything About the Diaspora.
Through Read to L.E.A.D., CCIA has distributed over 3,000 culturally affirming books to dozens of Title I elementary school libraries in Hampton Roads and Flint, MI, granting access to over 7,000 elementary students since 2011. Far too many public schools and libraries do not include or cannot afford to include such materials in their annual purchases. Subsequently, Read to L.E.A.D. addresses community interest and need juxtaposed with the prevailing deficiency in cultural and racial representation in schools and libraries to promote a love of reading and better-connect with youth.
This practice reflects findings noting that African-American children are more engaged in reading when the subject matter is relatable and they see themselves accurately represented. This program has become a community favorite, with repeated sponsoring businesses and individual donors. The community understands the importance of literacy and positive cultural representation and looks forward to assisting in providing the literature for the youth.
Thus, Read to L.E.A.D. fills a void and empowers African-American children and youth through the provision of positive images and stories. Read to L.E.A.D. also empowers teachers and instructors with effective instructional resources that help them better serve students.