Quick Summary: Investing in literacy transforms communities. With the support of J4P Associates, a writing initiative launched in Baltimore’s 45th District to empower young scholars through storytelling and self-expression. The program, embraced by local schools, culminated in a powerful Black History Month awards ceremony, proving that literacy is more than just reading—it’s the key to shaping a brighter future.
The Power of Literacy: Building Stronger Communities
Thriving communities aren’t built by chance—they are the result of vision, investment, and a deep commitment to the people who call them home. One of my greatest inspirations, the late Congressman Elijah Cummings, often said, “Our children are the living messages we send to a future we will never see.” That belief is etched in my soul. It’s why I am committed to equipping young scholars with the skills and confidence to shape the world they will one day inherit.
Investing in Communities, Investing in People
J4P Associates, led by Pat and Peter Handal, share this philosophy. They have shown that business isn’t just about the bottom line—it’s about uplifting the people and places that raised us. Their revitalization work along the North Avenue corridor, home to landmarks like the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, demonstrates how business leaders can be a force for positive change. Their message is clear: when we invest in our neighborhoods, we create vibrant, safer communities that honor our past and empower our future.
Launching a Writing Initiative for Our Youth
When the Handals asked how I would give back to the community, I didn’t hesitate. I thought about our youth—the heartbeat of the 45th District—who deserve every opportunity to dream, write, and define their own futures. With their support, we launched a writing initiative in August 2024 that did more than teach literacy—it gave our young scholars a voice.
This initiative united educators, school leaders, and community advocates to nurture student expression through writing. Under the visionary leadership of Principal Tiffany Williams, Collington Square Elementary-Middle School embraced the program wholeheartedly. Literacy Coach Erica Foote played a crucial role, guiding students through prompts like “Baltimore Heroes,” “Black History,” and “My Future Aspirations.” Soon, Gardenville Elementary joined the effort under the leadership of Principal Noraida Ankobia, expanding the program to even younger students.
Celebrating Student Success Through Literacy
The initiative culminated in a powerful Black History Month awards ceremony, where students presented original pieces under the theme “My Future is Inspired by.” The pride on their faces was unforgettable. Thanks to the generosity of J4P Associates, winners received cash prizes. But more importantly, they received validation—the knowledge that their voices matter.
That morning, Joseph Haskins, Jr., founder and chairman of The Harbor Bank of Maryland, delivered an inspiring keynote address. As a financial pioneer and mentor, Mr. Haskins spoke about more than wealth—he spoke about the power of knowledge, confidence, and purpose that literacy brings.
Literacy: A Pathway to Opportunity
Literacy is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It opens doors that others have tried to shut. It fuels imagination, drives innovation, and empowers every child—regardless of zip code—to shape their destiny.
James Baldwin once wrote, “The limits to your ambition were thus expected to be settled.” But we reject those limits. Through literacy, we are tearing down the boundaries that once constrained our dreams. We are equipping our youth not just to read and write—but to lead.
The Fight for Educational Equity Continues
This work matters. It’s why I will never stop fighting for equity in education. It’s why I stand with business leaders like the Handals, who see literacy not just as an educational issue, but as an economic one. A community that reads is a community that rises. The futures we help build today will define the Baltimore we dream of tomorrow.
The power of literacy is the power to build futures. Let’s ensure that power reaches every young scholar in our city.
