FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Mocha Moms of Fairfield County Promotes Literacy in Barbershops

BRIDGEPORT, CT – (September 18, 2009) – Did you know that over half of 4th grade African American boys cannot read and understand Charlotte’s Web? According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (2007), more than half of fourth grade African American boys read below basic levels. What can we do about that? Let us tell you what WE are doing about it. The Fairfield County, CT Chapter of Mocha Moms, Inc. (MMFC) is launching its first reading nook in a barbershop. Yes, a barbershop!

The program, Boys Booked on Barbershops (B-BOB), is a growing national initiative launched in 2004 that takes advantage of naturally occurring opportunities in the community to foster a love of reading. B-BOB reading nooks have debuted in more than 100 barbershops across the country. Boys Booked on Barbershops was started by Sabrina A. Brinson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Childhood Education and Family Studies at Missouri State University, as a way to combat ‘aliteracy’—the ability to read while lacking the motivation. “(BBOB) is a creative means of exposing children of all ages to books to increase their reading interests, their reading practices and their literacy development,” said Brinson. "If a child knows how to read and isn't, then the problem is motivation. Children learn through people who are meaningful to them. This is an opportunity to expose them to reading in the community and for them to see adults reading."

Read to Grow, Inc., our featured local sponsor and nonprofit organization dedicated to building early literacy, has graciously provided over 100 books for MMFC’s first BBOB launch. “We thought it was such a wonderful idea to get books into the hands of young boys,” says “Linda Sylvester, Books for Kids Coordinator at Read to Grow, Inc. “We were intrigued by the aspect of the program, and we hope we’ll be able to continue to donate books to barbershops.”

The launch will be held on Saturday, October 24th from 1:00pm-3:00pm at The Real Barbers Lounge, 286 Success Avenue, Bridgeport, CT. The launch will not only include a reading nook, filled with plenty of culturally diverse books, but a scavenger hunt, storytellers, face painting and more. “I definitely feel this initiative is important,” says Joe Scott, the owner of The Real Barbers Lounge. “We’re shaping and influencing our future doctors, lawyers, teachers—maybe a future president! If we don’t, these streets definitely will—so BBOB is a great way to offer a positive alternative.”

"Boys Booked on Barbershops is an opportunity to let our children know that reading plays an important role in their lives and ours,” says Nathalie Semon, chapter vice-president and BBOB organizer. “My hope is that we will make a difference as a chapter by transforming our children's minds one book at a time."

About Mocha Moms:

Mocha Moms, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit (EIN: 52-2197655) organization that was started in 1997 for the purpose of connecting and supporting mothers of color nationwide. It is a support group that advocates for women who have chosen not to work full-time outside of the home in order to devote more time to their families, as well as for mothers who are trying to balance work and home. Mocha Moms does not discriminate. Any person who supports the mission of Mocha Moms is welcome to join, regardless of sex, race, religion, or socioeconomic/employment status. Today, there are almost 3000 members nationwide. Today Mocha Moms Chapters can be found all over the country with several chapters in Texas, including Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. The Austin Chapter was founded in 2003 and continues to thrive today because of the hard work and efforts of many dedicated moms.

The Fairfield County, CT Chapter was the first chapter of Mocha Moms, Inc. established in the state and remains the only national support group for mothers of color in Connecticut. MMFC meets weekly on Tuesdays in the Bridgeport area and welcomes people of all religions, races, educational backgrounds and income levels. To find out more about the organization, please visit www.mochamomsoffairfieldcounty.com.

About the National Institute for Literacy:

At the Institute, literacy is broadly viewed-it is an individual's ability to read, write, speak in English, compute, and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job, in the family, and in society. Since its creation in 1991, the Institute has worked to help the nation meet some of its current-and emerging-literacy challenges. Working in partnership at the federal level and informed by research, expert advice, and stakeholder input, the Institute collaborates across organizations, constituencies, and disciplines to affect systemic change.

About Scholastic:

For over 85 years, Scholastic has been a trusted name in learning by encouraging children to learn to read and love to learn, helping teachers carry out their important jobs and supporting parents in their role as their child’s first teacher.

Today, Scholastic has over $2 billion in revenues and is a global leader in children’s brands and distribution, with nearly 10,000 employees worldwide. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children’s books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, feature film, videos and toys. Scholastic distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and Scholastic.com.  


 

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