On Friday, March 2, Mothers in Action facilitated their 2nd annual “Read Across America” (RAA) Day event as part of the National Education Association’s 21-year anniversary celebrating their signature reading program.
The fun-filled event held in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday took place at Danny J. Bakewell Primary Center where Karen Ward is the principal and Marcus Garvey School where Sister Saunders is the director.
The event was created to provide local leaders, organizations, and politicians with the opportunity to stress the importance of reading. Additionally, the event allowed participants to give back to tomorrow’s leaders…the children.
The participants and invited readers at the Danny J. Bakewell Primary Center included: Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. Aline Bakewell, Danny J. Bakewell, Jr., Pamela Bakewell, Taelor Bakewell, Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Sgt. Fountain, Ofc. Hines, Dr. George McKenna, Carolyn Fowler, and Mothers in Action President, Tracy Mitchell.
“Having an opportunity to work with the children of our community about the importance of reading and supporting the schools efforts of helping provide the best education is always a positive experience for me and all of my family,” said Los Angeles Sentinel Executive Editor, Danny J. Bakewell, Jr.
“To have the opportunity to do it at the school named in honor of my dad (Danny J. Bakewell, Sr.) is an absolute blessing. I have to thank Principal Ward and all of her staff, School Superintendent George McKenna, the California CHP and Councilman Marqueece Harris Dawson for all coming out and supporting this effort.”
The invited readers and participants at the Marcus Garvey School included: Senator Holly Mitchell, Ofc. Hines, Ofc. Servio, Jamarah Hayner of JKH Consulting; Eulanda L. Matthews of Ivie McNeill & Wyatt; Los Angeles Sentinel and L.A. Watts Times Managing Editor, Brandon Brooks; Yvonne Wheeler of AFGE; and Brotherhood Crusade Board Member, Clifford McClain.
“Mothers In Action is so proud of our village for coming out to bless our children at both schools. The Student Ambassadors did an excellent job of hosting and escorting our guest readers at both schools, who ranged in age from 4-13. Guest readers had a wonderful experience and felt just as blessed by the experience as the students. It takes a village to raise a child and we are honored that our village answered the call,” said President of Mothers In Action, Tracy Mitchell.
Year after year, RAA increases the number of lifelong readers, inspires students to pick up books, and encourages them to use their imagination! For more information on “Read Across America” please visit www.nea.org .
