MAYOR BARAKA’S LITERACY TOWN HALL CONCLUDES IN SOUTH WARD SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, AT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB, AT 11 A.M.

Mayor Ras Baraka, the Mayor's Office of Comprehensive Community Education and #NewarkReads Literacy Coalition will bring the South Ward Literacy Town Hall to the Boys & Girls Club of Newark, 1 Avon Avenue, on Saturday, November 1, at 11 a.m.

This event is the final stop in the five-ward tour that brings a different community together each month to highlight the importance of literacy and learn ways to help children improve their proficiency. Parents and caregivers who attend the town halls have the opportunity to provide input for the #NewarkReads Literacy Coalition (NRLC), learn how to access free high-dosage tutoring for their children, and get resources from city partners. Each event includes informative talks and break out discussion groups, fun child activities, giveaways, raffle prizes, including electronic devices, and refreshments.

The tour's conclusion will shift the coalition's attention to the Mayor Ras J. Baraka's Literacy Symposium outlaying the full spectrum of 2026 programs and initiatives from the #NewarkReads Literacy Coalition. The location for that convening is to be announced in the coming weeks.

"Literacy is so much more than a stepping stone to academic and career success. It literally unlocks a lifetime of learning that liberates us through an understanding of our world. With reading comes knowledge that directs actions which benefit ourselves and each other," said Mayor Baraka. "Beginning as a response to a post-COVID school score crisis, Newark's literacy movement has snowballed into a powerful coalition of partners dedicated to the complete and ongoing welfare of our children, and our city's steady rise toward a free and fulfilling future."

The NRLC is an initiative launched by Mayor Baraka to promote literacy across the city. The goal of the coalition is to provide comprehensive support in early literacy, sharing best research practices, increasing better outcomes for maternal health and prenatal care, and nurturing a love for avid reading.

Created by the City under the Office of Comprehensive Community Education (OCCE), NRLC forges partnerships with businesses and organizations to promote reading initiatives such as the Mayor's Book Club and year-round literacy tours and fairs. In light of the post-COVID decline of literacy scores, Mayor Baraka created the Brain Trust to Address the Urgent Literacy Crisis and published the Mayor Ras J. Baraka's Newark Citywide Prenatal to Third Grade 10-Point Literacy Plan.

"Mayor Ras Baraka's vision is that #NewarkReads Literacy Coalition is creating a literacy ecosystem where families in Newark can know just how resource-rich this community really is to address all things literacy," said Dr. Sharnee Brown, the chief education officer for the Office of Comprehensive Community Education in the Baraka administration. "Community Partners in the #Newark Reads Literacy Coalition are aware that petty competition and siloed work are ineffective. We know that real problems are addressed through mobilization, collaboration, coordinated care and an invested interest in everyone's success. Our true goal is that every student in Newark has access to researched based reading improving tools, has high literacy self-efficacy and is plugged into a city-wide vibrant culture that promote a joy of reading."

The new iteration of the NRLC uses its diverse, collective efforts and strengths to promote literacy, stories, knowledge, and learning for residents spanning all ages - from the unborn child to the seasoned senior. It provides comprehensive resources and information to foster a love of reading and to build a community of avid readers. As part of its strategic planning, and to engage families in the NRLC, it conducts Literacy Town Halls in every ward to get community input and to recruit ward captains.

"At the Boys & Girls Club of Newark, we believe literacy is the foundation of opportunity. It's more than reading words on a page-it's about unlocking confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning," said Ameer Washington, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Newark. "After surveying more than 100 of our parents, we heard clearly that literacy is a top priority for families across our Club locations. That feedback has shaped our focus and strengthened our commitment to making literacy one of our core pillars. Through the Newark Reads Literacy Coalition, we're proud to turn that insight into action-launching tutoring for over 50 of our members and deepening our partnerships to ensure every child in Newark has the support, encouragement, and access they deserve to thrive. Hosting this Town Hall is a reflection of that shared mission and our belief that when families, schools, and community partners come together, great things happen for our children."

A host of partners dedicated to NRLC's success will be on hand to facilitate the program's run of show and activities. Panasonic has donated 10 personal tablet devices and Teach For America contributed two free Kindle e-readers and other raffle prizes for attendees.

"Panasonic is proud to support the South Ward Literacy Town Hall because we know that literacy is a fundamental building block for learning and opportunity," said Alejandra Ceja, Vice President, Office of Social Impact and Inclusion and Executive Director of the Panasonic Foundation. "Our contribution is one small way we can demonstrate our ongoing commitment to strengthening the communities we call home."

"Our kids are inherently brilliant. It's our collective responsibility to help them shine as brightly as possible and literacy is central to their success," said Tahina Perez, Executive Director, Teach For America New Jersey. "Being a part of the #NewarkReads Literacy Coalition and Mayor Baraka's Literacy Town Halls has strengthened our approach to student literacy and allowed the community to explore different strategies, perspectives, and synergies that will help uplift the next generation of New Jersey leaders."

Point Number One of the researched based strategies from the 10-Point Plan is high dosage tutoring. Reading Partners has committed to providing free tutoring to the families who signed up for tutoring during the 5 Ward Literacy Tour.

"Joining the Literacy Coalition has allowed us to strengthen our collective impact," said Dr. Naima Ricks, Managing Director of Partnerships and Growth at Reading Partners Newark. "By working together, we can ensure that every child in Newark has access to the literacy support, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive both in school and in life. Reading Partners is excited to bring our proven high-dosage program to families across Newark who attended the Literacy Townhalls. Starting in January 2026, families will be able to sign up directly with Reading Partners to enroll their children in our one-on-one literacy tutoring program, regardless of which school they attend. This is a wonderful opportunity to give your child extra reading support, build confidence, and foster a lifelong love of learning."

Other generous partners include the Newark Board of Education, the Newark Public Library, Urban League, Rutgers University-Newark, the United Way of Essex and East Hudson, My Schools Newark, My Brother's Keeper, the South Ward Promise Neighborhood, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, and more.

Partnering businesses providing giveaway prizes include gift cards from Industrial Bank and books from Source of Knowledge book store.

For more information or to get involved, contact Dr. Sharnee Brown from Mayor's Office of Comprehensive Community Education at (973) 373-0484, or visit this website: newarknj.gov/departments/education.

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