When local barbershop co-owner Devon Reynolds opens his doors to the community he knows he’s fulfilling his purpose as a servant leader. Reynolds is the co-owner of Brothers and Sisters Unisex Salon on Dewey Avenue. Last month, he hosted Story Time at the Shop during Black History Month to share stories and read culturally relevant books with children and families. He invited representatives as special guest readers from the Black Story Tellers League, Rochester City School Board of Education, Brighton Town Board and the Police Accountability Board. This demonstration of community action is a great way for the community to do its part to impact cradle to career outcomes.
We’re lifting up the work of this barbershop to inspire others in the community to think about how they can support literacy. Third grade is the year when instruction shifts from learning to read to reading to learn. As a result, students who are not reading proficiently by the 3rd grade may struggle in school and fall behind their peers. Fortunately, research has shown that all children are capable of making great strides in their reading ability as long as they have support from adults inside and outside the classroom.
How is your business or community organization helping to support literacy and education? Email us and tell us how at jessica@thechildrensagenda.org.