News Summary
In Grand Rapids, Michigan, the ‘Men of Color Read’ initiative encourages literacy among elementary students by bringing community volunteers into K-3 schools. Founded by Jon Covington, the program has expanded from Los Angeles and aims to foster a love for reading, while also addressing the issue of illiteracy that correlates with juvenile delinquency. Volunteers from diverse professions read to children, offering mentorship and promoting community ties. This summer, Storytime events at local parks further aim to engage children and enhance their reading skills.
Grand Rapids, Michigan, is witnessing a new initiative aimed at promoting literacy among local elementary students through a program called “Men of Color Read.” Founded by Jon Covington, this initiative brings community volunteers into K-3 elementary schools to read to children on a regular basis.
The primary goal of “Men of Color Read” is to inspire a love for reading and help children perceive it as “cool.” Since its inception in Los Angeles, the program has expanded to Muskegon and has been operating at the Martin Luther King Leadership Academy in Grand Rapids for six years. Covington, whose childhood visits to the Hackley Library in Muskegon fueled his passion for literacy, aims to provide children with the opportunity to discover the world through reading.
The initiative has seen growth over the years, attracting a diverse group of volunteers from various professions, including bankers, engineers, and nurses. These mentors participate in reading sessions and contribute to fostering mentorship and community ties. Participants often express that their involvement is as rewarding for them as it is for the students.
In addition to reading skills, the program also seeks to address the severe issue of illiteracy and its correlation with juvenile delinquency. Research indicates that many prison inmates are functionally illiterate, and addressing this issue early on can lead to better life possibilities and opportunities for young children.
Throughout the summer, volunteers will host Storytime events at Lincoln and Garfield Parks in Grand Rapids. These events are scheduled every Tuesday night from 6:30 PM to 8 PM and offer children free books, summer treats, and the chance to engage in a variety of fun activities. The emphasis remains on making reading an enjoyable and enriching experience for the participants.
Covington’s initiative reflects a larger vision of improving literacy within the community. It is built on the notion that enhancing reading comprehension skills can open doors to a multitude of opportunities, shaping the future of young individuals and positively impacting society as a whole.
Community leaders and participants involved in “Men of Color Read” believe that the program not only advances reading abilities among children but also strengthens family connections and community relationships. Volunteers are eager to continue their work through this initiative, and they recognize their role as important representatives for the young readers they strive to inspire.
As more community members get involved, the hope is that “Men of Color Read” will inspire a generation of readers and create lasting change in the literacy landscape of Grand Rapids.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM 13: Men of Color Read Celebrates 6 Years of Mentorship
- WZZM 13: Men of Color Read 6 Year Anniversary Video
- Electric Literature: 48 Books by Women of Color to Read in 2025
- MLive: Grand Rapids NAACP President Named 2025 Giant Among Giants
- Fox17: Grand Rapids Churches Leaving The CRC Over Sexuality
- Wikipedia: Illiteracy
- Google Search: Mentorship Programs
- Google Scholar: Literacy Initiatives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Literacy
- Google News: Men of Color Read
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
