(NEWARK, NJ) -- The City of Newark will host the fifth annual "Reading Under the Stars" for youth and families on Wednesday, August 9 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm in Ivy Hill Park, at Mt. Vernon Place, in the West Ward. Two acclaimed children's book authors will read their works, and a screening of the family film "Puss in Boots" will follow at 8:30pm. The event is FREE and open to the public.
"When children learn to read well early, and enjoy it, they benefit from lifetime access to new thinking, interesting ideas, and ways of living beyond our imagination," said Mayor Baraka. "When we instill a love of reading in our children, we give them a gift far more valuable than anything we could buy. We give them the key to understanding our world and their ability to lead it. That is why our 'Reading Under the Stars' program, to promote literacy skills during the summer break, is such an important priority for the city. I call on all of Newark to help our parents grow home libraries into treasure troves, with each book depositing riches into our children's lives."
Sponsored by the Mayor's Office of Special Projects and the Mayor's Office of Comprehensive Community Education, the event will offer children's book and backpack giveaways, food, information on student education opportunities and guidance from veteran reading specialist Shikana McKnight. Additionally, there will be a Wellness Village with community resources and experts on a range of issues including immunizations, WIC, and a cadre of child and family mental health experts, led by Well Together.
"Mayor Ras J. Baraka is fervently addressing the urgent literacy crisis with his Citywide Prenatal to Third Grade 10-Point Literacy Plan, said Newark Office of Comprehensive Community Education Chief Education Officer Dr. Sharnee Brown. "We - the community, the schools and families - all are collectively responsible. 'Reading Under the Stars' is a great exemplar of how community partners can unite to invest in families and to reinvigorate the literary community to promote a healthy and fun culture of literacy. Our children's wellbeing and futures are our top priority."
The evening will feature Karina Nicole Gonzalez's reading of her award-winning book portraying home, community, and hope, "The Coquíes Still Sing," and Sundra Oakley reading "Why Do I Get All the Kisses?" a multilingual message of a mother's love. Self-published author Sheena Demby will also share her work and donate copies of her affirmational story "The Me in the Mirror." In addition, there will be a special interactive reading of "This Is Tap," about Newark native and dancer Savion Glover.
"Reading stimulates our imagination and allows us to process complex ideas about ourselves and the dynamic communities of the world," said Ms. Gonzalez. "Shared reading is especially powerful because it's an opportunity to connect with one another through the magic of storytelling. I'm excited to join Newark's families to share my debut picture book, 'The Coquíes Still Sing,' a story about home, community, and hope, inspired by the rebuilding of Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria in 2017."
"To be able to share this literary 'piece of my heart' as well as my love of language is an honor and privilege," said Ms. Oakley. "I believe literacy is not an optional virtue in a modern world; it's a human right and portal of opportunity into the future. The mere exposure to the treasures inside the pages of a book can lead a child or even an adult to a myriad of beautiful journeys that may shape their lives. My deepest appreciation to the City of Newark and Mayor Ras J. Baraka for allowing me to be the voice of the almost indescribable, unending love of a parent to a child - as well as giving a spotlight to so many cultures and families of mixed cultural identities."
"When I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, books are what I turned to in hopes of finding guidance and strength for the journey ahead," said Ms. Demby. "What I discovered was knowledge that completely shifted my reality and helped me to recognize the power I had inside of myself. I wanted my daughter to always know that she also was everything that she needed. This is how 'The Me in the Mirror' was born. I'm excited to spread this message of self-confidence and self-acceptance with the little ones in the Newark community."
Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation's leading children's literacy nonprofit, will provide more than 1,000 free books to the children of Newark to build their home libraries and inspire a joy of reading.
"RIF is proud to be part of this wonderful community literacy celebration to engage young readers," said Alicia Levi, President and CEO of RIF. "We know that if we unite communities around the power and joy of reading, then development, discovery, and opportunity will follow. Through the power of books, we are building lifelong readers and supporting children in achieving their full potential."
Other co-sponsoring organizations are Newark Summer Fun in the City 2023; Tate's Bake Shop; the Department of Health and Community Wellness; the Newark Public Library; Source of Knowledge bookstore; New Jersey Performing Arts Center; McDonald's; and United Community Corporation.
In July of this year, Mayor Baraka, Dr. Brown, Newark Board of Education Assistant Superintendent, Teaching and Learning Dr. Mary Ann Reilly, The Newark Library Director Christian G. Zabriskie, and other dignitaries launched a 10-point plan to address child literacy for toddlers through third graders.
The plan was developed in reaction to the national major adverse academic impact since 2019, due to learning loss during the COVID-19 period. According to the National Center of Educational Statistics (NCES), in 2019 only 35.34 percent of fourth grade students were at or above proficiency, 33.58 percent of eighth grade students were at or above proficiency and 37 percent of 12th grade students were at or above proficiency. In Newark, the 2022 results of the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) showed only 19 percent of third graders passed the NJSLA literacy test. In nine schools, the percentage of third graders passing the English exam were in the single digits. In 2022, Newark's literacy passing rate for all grade was 27 percent. In light of this educational emergency, the Mayor convened a coalition of experts to establish Mayor Ras J. Baraka Brain Trust to Address the Urgent Literacy Crisis.
This "Reading Under the Stars" event is one way to implement part of the Trust's 10 actionable steps. Schools, parents, and community organizations can undertake these steps now and in the coming school year to put our city's students back on track.
