GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Men of Color Read is a group of men in Grand Rapids who travel to elementary schools in West Michigan to read to students.
Entering its fourth year, members of the group visit at least one school every month.
Rhondo Cooper, the school renewal specialist for Grand Rapids Public Schools, said the program is aimed at giving students an opportunity to see men of color in the classroom.
"A lot of that didn't happen when I was young, and so we're looking to do that more within our district," Cooper said.
The program is also hoping to break the chain of incarceration through literacy.
"It's a well-known fact that a number of people who are incarcerated, who have been involved with juvenile system, reading is one of the things that they're lacking," Cooper said. "So with Men of Color, we were hoping that we can come in, and by virtue of our connection, maybe help some of that. We can't solve it all. But this is one step for us to try to do our part."
He said the students love to have visitors and when the men come in to read to them, it's not only a positive experience for the students but also the reader.
"I think it fills our cup, you know, we get an opportunity to give back," Cooper said. "I think a lot of us feel like, you know, we were blessed to be in the positions that we are in. I'm blessed to be a part of Grand Rapids Public Schools. So any way that I can give back, I want to give back."
On Friday around 20 men connected with students at Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy in Grand Rapids.
Cooper said at the events, they'll leave fliers out and give contact information to the school so anyone interested can get involved. Jon Covington, who presides over the group, can also be reached through Facebook.
"We need everybody," Cooper said. "This is all hands on deck. Our babies need us. Our babies need you. So we need you."
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