Title
Honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the Occasion of its 31st Annual African American Children's Book Fair.
Body
WHEREAS, With a reported double-digit illiteracy rate in Philadelphia - the need never ceases to draw attention to the urgency of giving children access to books that will empower, enrich, and enlighten them on their literary journey. If you can't read, you can't succeed. The African American Children's Book Project understands that a literate population is a working, goal-oriented population thus benefiting all; and
WHEREAS The African American Children's Book Project (AACBP), which was founded in 1992, was created to promote and preserve children's literature written by and about Black Americans. To achieve these efforts The African American Children's Book Project collaborates with authors, illustrators, publishers, booksellers, educators, librarians, consumers, and corporate entities committed to promoting literacy. Books can change lives - especially when young readers see their images in the reading materials; and
WHEREAS The African American Children's Book Project understands that reading is a personal experience, and access and choice are one of the hallmarks of their programming. Their stellar youth programs include Book fairs; Book signings; Workshops; I Read To See Me program (author/illustrator virtual/in-school visits); Educating consumers on trends/resources in youth literature; Guidance on establishing home libraries; and Advocacy initiatives to promote Black American children's literature around the world; and
WHEREAS, The work of The African American Children's Book Project is in response to numerous studies that show that children who read outside of their normal school coursework tend to excel in other aspects of their lives. The African American Children's Book Project emphasizes in their programs for children pre-school to young adult the importance of not only giving access, but also giving choice...
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