We’re thrilled to share the highlights of a remarkable community event held on August 8, 2024, at the General Heiser Boys & Girls Club in Dumfries, VA. Barbershop Books partnered with Micron Technology and George Mason University’s Literacy Engagement Action Project (LEAP) to create a day filled with literacy, STEM education, and personal grooming. Our friend, Dr. Simon King captured the magic of the day in the following summary, detailing the joy, excitement, and impact of this unforgettable collaboration. Dive into the full story and see how we came together to inspire and empower young minds!
Dumfries, VA – August 8, 2024 –The General Heiser Boys & Girls Club was abuzz with excitement as Barbershop Books led an inspiring community event that combined literacy, STEM education, and personal grooming into an unforgettable experience. Judy Moore, Branch Director of the General Heiser Boys & Girls Club, expressed her joy at the event’s overwhelming success, noting that it exceeded all expectations and left participants with smiles and a renewed sense of community.
As the main organizer, Barbershop Books partnered with Micron Technology and LEAP/George Mason University to host this impactful event, the first collaboration between these organizations. Designed to cultivate a love for reading among Black boys and spark their interest in STEM, the evening featured engaging read-aloud sessions, hands-on STEM activities, and complimentary haircuts, all provided in a vibrant, supportive environment.
“This event was about more than just fun; it was about education, empowerment, and community,” said Judy Moore, Branch Director of the General Heiser Boys & Girls Club. “Barbershop Books did an incredible job of showing our boys that reading and learning can be enjoyable, and by combining these activities with something as simple as a haircut, they created an atmosphere where the boys felt valued and inspired.”
The event began with warm opening remarks from the Honorable Derrick Wood, Mayor of the historic Town of Dumfries, who lent his support and encouragement to the young participants. He was followed by Alvin Irby, Founder of Barbershop Books, who energized the crowd with his lively engagement. The read-aloud sessions, led by volunteers from Micron Technology, captivated the children, who eagerly discussed the STEM-themed stories and explored new ideas.
Micron Technology’s contributions extended beyond volunteer participation. Micron Technology’s contributions extended beyond volunteer participation. They generously provided the books and funded the services of the barbers to provide the haircuts. Additionally, Micron’s volunteers played a crucial role in event logistics, coordinating activities and assisting with setup and teardown, helping to ensure the event ran smoothly from start to finish.
The excitement continued as the kids engaged in interactive STEM stations, designed and operated by LEAP/George Mason University. These stations offered hands-on activities that allowed the children to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a fun and engaging way. The goal was to make STEM accessible and exciting, and the enthusiastic participation of the children was a testament to the event’s success.
As the event progressed, each child was thrilled to receive three STEM-themed books to take home, along with school supplies and backpacks provided by Micron Technology. The free haircuts, expertly provided by local Mosaic Barbershop barbers, were a highlight, giving the boys a fresh look and a boost of confidence as they left with their new books in hand.
The evening concluded with heartfelt thanks to all the partners, volunteers, and attendees who made the event possible. “This was a true community effort,” Moore reflected. “Barbershop Books brought together an amazing team, and events like these make me so proud to be part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. We’re not just offering services but building a foundation for these kids to grow, thrive, and dream big.”
Given the resounding success of this inaugural collaboration, there was a strong consensus among all partners that this event must happen again next year. As the sun set on a day filled with learning, laughter, and a sense of accomplishment, the General Heiser Boys & Girls Club once again demonstrated its commitment to empowering young people and fostering a community where they can reach their full potential.
————————
We’re incredibly proud of what we achieved together at the General Heiser Boys & Girls Club, and the success of this event wouldn’t have been possible without the collective efforts of our partners, volunteers, and community members. A special thank you to Dr. Simon King, who captured the day’s highlights so beautifully in the newsletter. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our mission to inspire a love of reading and learning in every child!
