Advocates work to improve literacy in black communities

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – This week on ‘Awareness,’ Billie Jean Shaw spearheads a discussion about improving literacy in the Black community. An alarming national statistic shows that, in South Carolina, only 15% of Black fourth-graders are reading at grade level. By eighth grade, that number drops to just 11%.

Experts will tell you these gaps reflect deeper issues, from under-resourced schools to curriculum that doesn’t reflect Black communities.

Former educator and literacy advocate turned author Rian Jenkins joins the conversation to discuss the challenges Black students face when it comes to reading

In this segment, former educator and literacy advocate turned author Rian N. Jenkins joins the conversation to discuss the deep-rooted challenges Black students face when it comes to reading and education. Drawing from her years in the classroom, Jenkins shares insight into the systemic barriers affecting literacy rates, the importance of culturally relevant materials, and what it will take to close the gap. Her perspective offers both a reality check and a call to action for schools, families, and communities.

Liberation is Lit founder Tayler Simon breaks down how rising book bans are threatening access to Black stories and diverse voices.

In this powerful segment, Liberation is Lit founder Tayler Simon breaks down how rising book bans are threatening access to Black stories and diverse voices. She shares how her organization is using literacy as a tool for resistance and liberation, and what communities can do to fight back against censorship while protecting cultural identity through reading.

To close out the show, Rian Jenkins and Tayler Simon offer a clear message: literacy is power, and it must be protected.

To close out the show, Rian Jenkins and Tayler Simon offer a clear message: literacy is power, and it must be protected. Together, they outline actionable steps families, educators, and community members can take to preserve access to diverse books and uplift the next generation of readers and leaders.

If you have a story idea for Awareness, I would love to hear from you. Email me at billiejean.shaw@wistv.com or contact me on my Facebook and Instagram pages.

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