The NAACP will launch the Read to Lead initiative and the NAACP new Book Club on Sept. 12 at their new office location, 756 E. MLK. Suite 100, in the Whiteside Building next door to Olivet Baptist Church.
The purpose of the Read to Lead initiative and Book Club is to get children excited about reading early and to combat the high illiteracy rates that exist in predominately black and poor children, said officials. Research shows that if a child is not reading on their level by the third grade, they will more than likely end up in prison. In fact, the number of prisons built are determined in part by the number of children not reading on their level by the third grade, said officials.
Children ages 2-18 will be given free school supplies and books. A stage will be provided with audio for open mic time. Children can express poetry, dance song and can read stories.
Donations for new books and school supplies are accepted year round for the children at the NAACP Headquarters.
The NAACP meets every third Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the headquarters at 756 E. MLK. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information visit ChattanoogaNAACP.org