The literacy crisis is becoming more dire by the day. Recent reports paint a grim picture of the reading proficiency levels among New York’s children. In September 2023, Spectrum Local News revealed that only about 46% of New York’s third graders scored proficient in English Language Arts. Just a month earlier, the New York Times reported that the state was tied for 32nd place in a national assessment of students’ reading performance. In New York City alone, according to Gothamist in March 2024, a mere 33.6% of public school students from kindergarten through 10th grade achieved proficiency on reading assessments. Alarming still is the drop in Black students’ proficiency, which fell from 26.4% to 25.2%. The numbers show a troubling trend—things are getting worse.
At a time when our children’s literacy is in crisis, some individuals are working to ban books and justify their actions legally. This is not only counterproductive but also an assault on the progress we need to be making. Harlem, rich in cultural heritage and intellectual history, cannot and will not allow such regressions.
In response, organizations like the Assault on Illiteracy Program (AOIP) are stepping up. Founded in 1980 by Black Media, Inc., AOIP was created to combat illiteracy among Black Americans after it was discovered that 44% of Black people at the time could not read beyond a fourth-grade level. The program’s mission is clear: to attack, reduce, and ultimately eradicate illiteracy through a variety of reading tutorials and community initiatives, such as the Omega Men Reading Day and book donations to local students.
Continuing this legacy, on Monday, September 2, 2024, the Men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Xi Phi Chapter (The Harlem Ques) and the Women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Tau Omega Chapter (The Harlem AKAs), in partnership with Total Equity Now and Chaz Upscale Kutz Barbershop, held an event to tackle literacy in Harlem. The gathering took place at 2330 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The event was not just symbolic; it had tangible impact. Attendees left with 300 donated books, 250 bookbags, and voter registration information. On top of that, 25 children received free haircuts—a small but meaningful way to ensure that Harlem’s youth feel valued and supported.
These initiatives demonstrate that our community refuses to turn a blind eye to the literacy crisis. Harlem is committed to fostering education and empowerment for its children, and events like this one show that we are willing to take direct action to combat illiteracy.
Photo (L-R): Brothers Greg Harris, Jamel Nedderman, Larry Belton, Harry Watson, Dominick Boyce (Basileus Psi Lambda Lambda Chapter), Donnell G. Bolden ( Basileus Xi Phi Chapter).
Article adapted from recap provided by Donnell G. Bolden; 35th Basileus, Xi Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
