Reading being fundamental is an understatement, in my opinion. It’s literally the foundation for every form of education. In my community, it’s not being promoted as much as I would like it to be. But some organizations are working diligently to change that narrative. There’s one in particular that’s kept my attention.

Barbershop Books

Barbershop Books is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit literacy organization in New York City. Developed in Harlem and founded by Alvin Irby, MS, MPA, Barbershop Books is a community-based program that creates child-friendly reading spaces in barbershops and provides early literacy training. Since barbershops are cultural cornerstones in the Black community, this program helps increase Black boys’ access to age-appropriate and gender-responsive children’s books. Their overall mission is to help Black boys, ages 4-8, to identify as readers by connecting fun books to a male-centered space and by involving Black men in boys’ early reading experiences.

This amazing program needs to spread like wildfire across the country. For additional information, check out their official website. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Until Next Time…