FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

National Initiative Launches at Badd Boyz barbershop in Orange Park Mall and Superstar barbershop in Avenues Mall.

Jacksonville, FL—November 14, 2009 & November 21, 2009 -- Jacksonville Chapter, Mocha Moms, Inc. will partner with Badd Boyz Barbershop located in the Orange Park Mall and Superstars Barbershop located in the Avenues Mall to locally launch the first Boys Booked on Barbershops (B-BOB) in Jacksonville, FL.

Boys Booked on Barbershops (B-BOB) is a national literacy program, that takes advantage of naturally occurring opportunities in the community to foster a love of reading among boys. It is supported by The National Institute for Literacy, a federal program. Its goal is to support early literacy and improve literacy skills among children of color, while facilitating the on-going practice of reading for boys as they make their regular visits to barbershops. The nooks feature books about children of color, with an emphasis on topics that interest the shops 1 – 18 year old clientele.

There will be two kick-off celebrations (free to the public) to announce the location of the B-BOB book nooks. The events will inform and educate the public about the literacy rate among children of color.

November 14, 2009 from 1 – 2:30 pm Badd Boyz Barbershop | Orange Park Mall (next to Belk Dept. Store.)   Everyone will have an opportunity to browse and read a diverse and an expansive library of books in the shop’s “book-nook area”. Throughout the program we will be informing attendees about the declining literacy rate and ways to combat it in their community. Refreshments will be provided.

• Explanation of B-BOB and dedication of book nook

• PoFace’s Allen James will perform poetry with instruments

• Local personality Renee Simone will read and autograph a book

• Chapter President Jennifer James Soto will read and autograph a book

• B-BOB book raffle, of the autographed books and Allen James' CD will conclude the event

November 21, 2009 from 1 – 2:30 pm Superstar Barbershop | Avenues Mall (next to Belk Dept. Store.)  Everyone will have an opportunity to browse and read a diverse and an expansive library of books in the shop’s “book-nook area”. Throughout the program we will be informing attendees about the declining literacy rate and ways to combat it in their community. Refreshments will be provided.

• Explanation of B-BOB and dedication of book nook

• Local Navy Diver Fred Coker will read and show some of his diving equipment

• Former NFL player Lloyd Mumphord of the Miami Dolphins will read and interact with kids

• B-BOB book raffle, of autographed books will conclude the event
   

About Mocha Moms:
The Fredericksburg Chapter is a local chapter serving mothers and families in the city of Fredericksburg, King George & Spotsylvania County areas.

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.

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.



 

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