To Uphold the Rights to Read for Black Children and Youth

WHEREAS, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ("NAACP") believes that the fundamental right to read is a cornerstone of educational equity, enabling individuals to access knowledge, expand their understanding, and engage meaningfully with diverse texts; and 

WHEREAS, The NAACP asserts that Black children and youth, irrespective of socioeconomic status, disability, gender, or any other characteristic, deserve comprehensive and tailored reading instruction that empowers them to not only acquire basic reading skills but also to comprehend and deepen their knowledge through reading. 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED; the NAACP will continue to advocate for the promotion of reading comprehension and knowledge acquisition through the recognition that the ability to comprehend and derive knowledge through reading is essential for academic success. 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED; the NAACP urges State Superintendents and those involved in curriculum policies pay attention to Black learners' needs by highlighting the importance of culturally responsive and relevant instructional practices that resonate with the experiences and backgrounds of Black students and urging educators to incorporate teaching methods that acknowledge and address the unique linguistic and cultural factors that may influence reading proficiency. We further demand that policymakers be aware of research-based strategies and use them in their policies when deciding reading strategies for Black students.