KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – In an effort to put a spotlight on adult illiteracy, the Kalamazoo Literacy Council and the Kalamazoo Public Library are bringing in Tik Tok sensation Oliver James to help with the effort.
James is a motivational speaker, father, and adult learner who began teaching himself to read as an adult. He chronicled his literacy journey on social media and has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers and supporters.
He has received plenty of media attention as well, including People Magazine, Good Morning America, and NPR, and he is the recipient of the Barbara Bush National Literacy Honor Award from the Barbara Bush Foundation. Despite all the public accolades, James says his journey is just getting started and that he’s determined to do everything he can do keep motivating millions of adults just like him to reach their goals.
A free community wide event entitled “What’s up, I can’t read” featuring James will be held Thursday, April 18 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Register for the event is on the Kalamazoo Public Library’s website.
The presentation by James caps off the Readers are Leaders Reading Challenge. Adults are encouraged to checkout any of the five titles chosen from a KPL branch or a community organization affiliate:
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros,
House Arrest by K.A. Holt,
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry,
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, or
March: Book One by John Lewis.
KPL says you can share your choice on social media, and challenge someone to join by tagging #ReadingRoleModel, #KalamazooLiteracy, #LiteracyandCommunity, #Oliverspeaks1, #KalamazooPublicLibrary, and nominate a new challenge for each title you complete.
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