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September – Literacy & Heritage

  • Writer: Cristal Tejeda
    Cristal Tejeda
  • Sep 5
  • 6 min read

Where it all begins.

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Opening Prayer" Lord, thank you for the gift of learning and the power of reading. May our children find joy in the pages of books and uncover the rich heritage of the African diaspora. Guide them as they grow in knowledge and wisdom. Amen."



Letter to the People/Supporters


Dear Young Scholars and Supporters,

September is the perfect time to remind ourselves and our children about the importance of literacy. It’s a month to explore our heritage through books, deepening our understanding of who we are and where we come from. Let’s celebrate literacy as the key to empowerment.


Why Reading is the Key to Empowerment

A discussion on how reading opens doors to opportunity, education, and self-discovery for our children.

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    Exploring the African Diaspora Through Books Highlighting books that bring the rich history and culture of the African diaspora to life, from the Caribbean to Africa and beyond.


    Creating a Reading Ritual in Your Family Tips on establishing family reading time, encouraging children to develop a love for books and reading.

    Books to Celebrate Literacy & Heritage


    Parent Suggestions

    Create a family book club to read books from the African diaspora together. Encourage discussions about the characters, history, and themes to foster a deeper understanding of Black heritage.


    📖 Reading Opens Doors: Opportunity, Education, and Self-Discovery for Our Children

    When we place a book in a child’s hand, we are handing them more than just pages of words—we are opening a door. Behind that door lies opportunity, education, and self-discovery, three keys every child needs to walk boldly into their future.

    🌟 Reading as a Door to Opportunity

    Books unlock possibilities that children may not see in their everyday world. A story about an inventor, scientist, artist, or leader allows a child to imagine themselves in that role. For children of the African diaspora, this is especially powerful. Representation tells them: You belong in every room, every field, and every dream.

    Every page turned whispers, “Your future is limitless.” Reading introduces new careers, new inventions, and new ideas that spark ambition. It helps children know that opportunities are not locked away for “other people”—they are waiting for them too.

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    📚 Reading as a Path to Education

    Reading strengthens the mind the way exercise strengthens the body. The more children read, the more their comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking grow. With every story, they practice focus, problem-solving, and empathy.

    Education is the bridge between where a child is now and where they are destined to go. Books act as the stepping stones across that bridge. They prepare children not just for school success but for life success, giving them the knowledge and tools to navigate a world that often tries to tell them they cannot.

    🌱 Reading as a Journey to Self-Discovery

    Books don’t just teach facts—they reflect back truths about who we are. When children see characters that look like them, speak like them, and live stories that honor their culture, they begin to recognize their own value.

    Reading becomes a mirror and a map. It reflects their worth and guides them to uncover strengths they didn’t know they had. Through characters’ struggles and triumphs, children learn that their own challenges are not roadblocks but stepping-stones to growth.

    ✨ Why It Matters

    When our children read, they learn to dream bigger, reach higher, and stand taller. They discover that they are not invisible, but vital to the future of the world. Reading is more than a pastime—it is preparation, empowerment, and liberation.

    As parents, educators, and community leaders, our role is to keep handing them books, keep opening doors, and keep reminding them that their stories matter. Because when a child discovers the power of reading, they don’t just open a book—they open their destiny.


    📖 What You Can Do Today

    Here are simple steps you can take right now to keep those doors open for your children:

    1. Read Together Daily – Even 10 minutes makes a difference. Choose stories that reflect your child’s culture, dreams, and imagination.

    2. Build a Home Library – Start small. One or two books can grow into a treasure chest of knowledge. Rotate new stories to keep curiosity alive.

    3. Visit Your Local Library or Bookstore – Show your child the joy of exploring shelves filled with possibilities. Let them pick out a book that excites them.

    4. Ask Questions After Reading – Talk about the story. “What would you do?” or “How did that character feel?” helps children connect books to their own lives.

    5. Support Diaspora Authors – Buy or borrow books written by African diaspora authors. Representation strengthens identity and pride.

    6. Make Reading Fun – Add music, voices, or even a family reading night. Turn it into a celebration, not a chore.

    ✨ Every page turned is a step toward opportunity, education, and self-discovery. Let’s walk that journey with our children—hand in hand, story by story.


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    Games & Coloring Design a heritage scavenger hunt, where children can search for key facts about important historical Black figures and events. Offer a coloring page celebrating Black heritage symbols and icons.


    🕵🏾 Heritage Scavenger Hunt

    Instructions:

    Children receive a sheet of prompts/clues. They must find answers hidden around the classroom, library, or community center (on posters, books, QR codes, or fact cards). Each correct answer earns them a “heritage token” (sticker, stamp, or bead). Completing the hunt unlocks a special affirmation prize:“I carry the power of my heritage!”

    Example Clues:

    1. Who was the first African American woman astronaut?✨ (Mae Jemison – hide her photo or a small rocket picture).

    2. Find the man who said, “I have a dream.” What was his full name?✨ (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – hide under a paper “dream cloud”).

    3. Look for the woman called the “Moses of her people.” Who was she?✨ (Harriet Tubman – clue hidden near a lantern).

    4. Who created over 300 products from peanuts?✨ (George Washington Carver – hide in a jar with peanut shells or a drawing).

    5. Which Black leader became the first President of South Africa after years in prison?✨ (Nelson Mandela – hide clue in a mock ballot box).

    6. Who was the famous poet who wrote “Phenomenal Woman”?✨ (Maya Angelou – hide clue inside a notebook or by a microphone).

    7. Find the Afro pick comb. What does it symbolize in Black culture?✨ (Power, pride, and natural beauty – hide a paper comb cutout).

    🎨 Coloring Page Concept

    Theme: “Celebrating Black Heritage”

    The page can feature:

    • A young child standing proudly holding a book, with symbols of Black heritage around them.

Banner text: “My Heritage, My Power”.


 
 
 
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