NAACP Launches Nationwide Partnership with The Right to Read Film in NYC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2024
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
NEW YORK - Thursday evening, the NAACP, in partnership with The Right to Read Film, launched a nationwide film screening program seeking to bring awareness to our nation's literacy crisis. The screening launch was co-hosted by the NAACP New York State Conference and New York City Department of Education at Fiorello LaGuardia High School and featured conversations with NAACP experts, literacy scholars, education leaders, and the brains behind TheRight to Read film.
NAACP Director of Education, Innovation and Research, Dr. Ivory Toldson, released the following statement in celebration of the newly formed partnership:
"The right to read is under attack, and we must do everything in our power to fight back. For far too long, children in our community have been denied the fundamental resources that will allow them to advance in society. We refuse to accept the continued neglect, and targeted attacks on the teaching of Black History happening across our nation. The NAACP is proud to embark on this crucial partnership with The Right to Read, spreading awareness of, and inspiring action around our nation's growing literacy crisis. We will continue cultivating impactful partnerships like this one, ensuring that our young people receive the quality education they deserve. This is a fight worth fighting, and we're not backing down."
The Right to Read shares the stories of an NAACP activist, a teacher, and two American families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read. Experts throughout the film also discuss the current state of literacy in the United States and the importance of implementing the science of reading into classroom instruction nationwide.
The Right to Read Director and Producer, Jenny Mackenzie, built upon Dr. Ivory Toldson's statement, adding:
"Literacy is freedom. This film has the power to not just educate, but to change people's minds about what's needed to ensure all kids can read in this country. The Right to Read is a proud partner and ally with the NAACP — a trusted, respected, and leading institution in the advancement of literacy and civil rights in this country."
Through the NAACP's partnership with The Right to Read, the Association's 47 branches, chapters, and units across the country will have the opportunity to receive microgrant funding that will allow them to host neighborhood screenings of the film within their respective communities, in addition to being provided with supportive assets that will inform important conversations that address how the film relates to the overarching goals and values of the NAACP National's mission and work.
For more information on The Right to Read film, click here. To learn more about NAACP's work to advance educational equity, visit our website.
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ABOUT NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.
ABOUT THE RIGHT TO READ
The Right to Read, directed by Jenny Mackenzie and executive produced by LeVar Burton is a documentary and social impact campaign that strives to bring awareness to the crucial importance of literacy as a civil right and advance the growing movement to utilize evidence-based approaches to literacy instruction in classrooms across the US. The documentary shares the stories of an activist, a teacher, and two American families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the ability to read, underscoring the importance of literacy as a civil rights issue.