Real Men Read: Black Male Educators Promote ‘Literacy and Joy’ to Youths
Event Aims to Encourage Young Black Males to Read
When about 100 Black male students at Gary Comer College Prep gathered with storytellers Friday during “Real Men Read,” author and educator Tracy Brown shared his own story. “Reading was my way to escape into another world because my world wasn’t safe.” Brown began writing his community into his books, as did college professor Willie Williams.
Members of the Comer Black Male Initiative and the authors – all members of the Divine Nine, a group of nine Black fraternities and sororities – spent Friday encouraging the young middle-schoolers to find joy in reading and storytelling.
Black Male Educators Lead the Way
It was important to organizer and high school teacher Rashad Davis that Black male educators be the ones spearheading the event. Gary Comer College Prep, a Chicago Public School part of Noble Charter Schools, has an unusually large amount of Black male teachers working at the school, said Principal Judonne Hemingway. About 35 Black men are teachers and facilitators between middle and high school, Davis said. “I think it’s important that they see us as themselves, that they see us as teachers, as educators,” Davis said.
Goals of the Event
Although Davis teaches at the college prep high school, he thought reaching out to middle school students first was important. “As a high school teacher, we realize that once we receive them, there are certain things they have missed, so we want to … address those missing issues and instill the love of reading. So when they come to high school, they have a love of learning, but it starts at a younger age,” Davis said.
Students’ Responses
Marvis Boyd, a 12-year-old 6th grader, said he isn’t a fan of reading but the activity Friday convinced him to do more. “I don’t really like to read,” said Boyd. “But I think it’ll probably get me to start reading what I like.” Kahmari Adams, 12, read a short story he wrote during the event, sharing with the class whether or not the story had a fair outcome.
Conclusion
The teachers hope by sharing personal experiences the students will relate and enjoy reading and telling stories more. “When we are reading, oftentimes the reason why we disconnect originally is because we cannot connect with what is going on in that world,” Williams said. Ultimately the storytelling served to inspire the young people.
FAQs
* Q: What is the purpose of the “Real Men Read” event?
A: The purpose is to encourage young Black men to read and find joy in reading and storytelling.
* Q: Who leads the event?
A: The event is led by Black male educators, including authors and professors.
* Q: What is the goal of the event?
A: The goal is to instill a love of reading in young Black men and provide them with positive role models and mentors.
