We envision a future where all children identify as readers and enjoy learning.
Our mission is to inspire Black boys and other vulnerable children to read for fun through child-centered, culturally responsive, and community-based programming and content.
Child-Centered
We embrace the possibilities, strengths, and interests of children.
Leadership
We empower individuals and communities to expand learning opportunities.
Fun
We inspire and model the joy of lifelong reading.
Collaboration
We partner with diverse community stakeholders to create systemic change.
Innovation
We develop unique, compelling, and transformational content and programs.
Excellence
We pursue measured impacts and organizational efficiencies that support long-term sustainability.
The Challenge
According to the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), more than 82% of Black male 4th grade students in the U.S. are not proficient in reading. Low reading achievement among Black boys today will produce Black men who are ill-prepared to compete in the workforce of tomorrow.
Relevant Content and Effective Instruction
The early literacy content, experiences, and instruction to which many Black boys currently have access do not reflect their reading preferences, individual learning needs, or Science of Reading (SOR) best practices.
Relevant Reading Role Models
Around 70% of public school elementary teachers in the U.S are white and a majority of Black boys are raised by single mothers. A lack of Black male reading role models in school and at home contributes to decreased reading motivation and has led many Black boys not to identify as readers.
Collectively, these and other challenges build barriers to reading success for Black boys.
Our Theory of Change
Early, positive, and culturally meaningful reading experiences cultivate children’s reading identity. When children identify as readers, they read for fun and perform better in reading.
Team
We’re committed to helping the babies read!
Alvin Irby
Amy Mercado
Dr. Angela Crumdy
Lindsay Shepard
Melody Castillo
Marilyn Vaughn Condelee
Board of Directors
Roland Kennedy, Jr.
Board Chair
Will Bifulco
Board Treasurer
Jalen Alexander
Board Secretary
Farhad Asghar
Dr. Shirley Smith
Heidi L. Hamilton
William Pugh
Michael Kaplan
Mark Lowe
Quentin Martin
Laurence Welch
Sophie Pauze
Meet our founder, Alvin Irby
Alvin Irby a passionate early childhood educator with experience working in a variety educational settings including traditional, independent, and charter schools as well as nonprofits providing out-of-school time programming. Alvin Irby holds a M.S in Childhood Education from Bank Street College of Education, a MPA from NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service, and a BA in Sociology from Grinnell College.
Irby’s popular TED Talk has been viewed over 1 million times.