Black authors’ books will be read aloud on Facebook via Fayette schools literacy effort

Manny Caulk, superintendent for Fayette County Public Schools, is helping launch a new weekly literacy initiative for children.

The program will spotlight Black authors who write books with main characters that are people of color. Guests will read aloud on Facebook live at facebook.com/UlTreLinked/, the district said. FCPS has partnered with UITre Linked and the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority to begin the initiative.

Those who register for the events “will have an opportunity” to receive a copy of the books, according to a press release from the Fayette school district.

“It takes an entire community to ensure the success of our public schools and this partnership with UlTre Linked and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will enhance our efforts to build a community of readers,” Caulk said in the release.

According to the district, the initiative will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday and will take place at the same time weekly until Aug. 30. The first book is “The Undefeated,” written by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The book follows the paths of Civil Rights figures such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes and Gwendolyn Brooks.

“While advocates for racial and social justice are marching in the streets of Lexington, here in Kentucky, across our nation and around the world, I am excited to share this book with our families,” Caulk said. “The books we read have an impact on the way our children understand the world around them.”

The upcoming readings, all at 4 p.m. on Sundays, include:

• July 12.: Author Rasheda Smith reading her book, “Kiyah’s Cotton Candy Curls”

• July 26: Dantrea Hampton reading “I Am Enough” by Grace Ayers

• Aug. 2: Author Christine Williams reading her book “Chrissy Doesn’t Like Her Hair!”

• Aug. 9: Sheila Stuckey reading “Brown Sugar Babe” by Charlotte Watson Sherman

• Aug. 16: Ramona Griffin reading “Harlem Renaissance Party” by Faith Ringgold

• Aug. 23: Xavier Brown reading “Mixed Me!” by Taye Diggs

• Aug. 30: Taureen Smith reading “I Am Every Good Thing” by Derrick Barnes

This story was originally published June 26, 2020 at 4:20 PM.