Center for Spiritual Wisdom and The Augustine Literacy Project are partnering to present the film The Right to Read, an eye-opening documentary on the alarming literacy crisis in the US on September 12 at 6PM at Ingram Auditorium at Brevard College.
Across the nation, including Transylvania County, schools are struggling to equip our children with the fundamental skill of reading. Research reveals alarming statistics: a significant percentage of children in our community struggle with basic reading proficiency, while an even larger percentage fall below grade level. These challenges disproportionately affect children from low-income families, further exacerbating the problem.
The Right to Read depicts the compelling story of an activist, a teacher, and two American families who are tirelessly fighting to ensure our youngest generation receives the essential foundation for lifelong success: the ability to read. It unravels the dire consequences children face when they lack this crucial skill, including increased risks of incarceration, homelessness, and unemployment. One of the film’s central figures is Kareem Weaver, an Oakland-based NAACP activist, who staunchly declares literacy as one of the greatest civil rights issues of our time.
Immediately following the screening of The Right to Read, there will be a panel discussion of Transylvania County educators, Brevard College faculty, literacy experts and community leaders discussing how to address this issue locally.
The panel will include:
Carrie Norris – Director of K-8 curriculum in Transylvania County
Samantha Osteen – Brevard Elementary Reading Specialist
Courtney Morgan – Interim Professor of Elementary Education at Brevard College and Multilingual Learner Specialist
Carrie Erb – Orton-Gillingham Specialist and Executive Director of Key Learning Center in Asheville
Tyree Griffin – NAACP Executive Committee and Community Center Director for the City of Brevard
There is no charge for this event. However, a suggested donation of $10 to cover costs for this film is gratefully encouraged. Proceeds will be shared with the Augustine Literacy Project.