CLARKSVILLE, TN – In a school district where Black/African American students make up 30.7% of the population, the achievement rate in ELA is only 27.6% for this demographic. However, Conchetta Willis, a student at Austin Peay State University, has found a way to promote literacy and add diverse reading material to school libraries’ inventory with a book drive of Black/African American authors.
The book drive stemmed from a service-learning project assigned by Christina Hicks-Goldston, professor of communications. Willis chose to focus on the principles of the Afrocentricity Theory by Molefi Kete Asante, including appreciating the African aesthetics in literature and art. The objective was to provide free and easy access to Afrocentric reading and educational material to students. Thus, the next generation could read stories of self-value, examine the importance of interrelationships, and eventually improve their standard of living with improved reading abilities.
“There is the chance to change perceptions perpetuated by stereotypes with stories, images, and illustrations of positive characters. It can provide books with encouraging messages such as making positive choices, taking pride in oneself, appreciating family, and aspiring to go beyond the social norm. Most importantly, it can improve the reading proficiency within this demographic of the student population,” said Willis.
Helping support the book drive, Clarksville city councilwoman Ashlee Evans stated, “I love the initiative Conchetta has taken with this Afro-Diversity book drive. Children must see themselves on the pages that they read. It is also important for children of other ethnicities/backgrounds to have exposure to people of all kinds in the literature. It helps their growing minds build empathy and understanding of other cultures and especially for their peers.”
In August, Willis intends to donate 2400 books, roughly 60 books to each CMCSS school. Through online, email, and face-to-face campaigns for donations and grants, she purchases books for all grades and reading levels. She even accepts gently used books from community members.
Willis hopes the initiative will enhance the outlook of all students and open dialogues about the importance of learning about new cultures, skills and perspectives. She is creating a suggested reading list of the books to be donated and classic and contemporary writers from multiple genres.
For more information on the book drive or contribute, visit www.afrodiversitybookdrive.org or contact Conchetta Willis at 615-933-9812.