Faith Leaders for Early Literacy
The Challenge.
Confidently reading in third grade sets the stage for a child’s successful future. Only about 15% of third grade Detroit school children are reading at grade level. The road to reading begins at birth by building brain connections through talking, singing and reading to young children. Some children (by their 4th birthday) have heard 30 million fewer words than other children..
The Response.
The Too Small to Fail, Talking is Teaching national initiative supports community early literacy engagements. One of the most impactful is the faith-based Talking is Teaching initiative where trusted messengers at houses of worship engage families with early literacy messaging, programs and activities that reinforce early literacy at home.
The Trusted Messengers.
Twelve Detroit churches provide a community connection to families across generations. The church leadership of Pastors and Community Coordinators supports families with young children develop early literacy skills through activities, pastoral messaging, at-home activities, and church bulletin communications.
V. Lonnie Peek and Eunice Shaw Peek eBusiness StrategiesThe Peeks are the Detroit Early Literacy Faith Initiative Program Managers, providing training, mentoring, and support to the Talking is Teaching Church Coordinators and Pastors
Greater Grace Temple - Rev. Charles H. Ellis, III
Fellowship Chapel - Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony
Liberty Temple Baptist - Rev. Dr. Steve Bland Jr.
Citadel of Praise - Rev. Spencer T. Ellis
City Covenant Church - Rev. Semuel Thomas
Rose of Sharon COGIC - Rev Ronald Griffin
Greater Quinn AME - Rev. Robert Blake
Pleasant Grove - Rev. Louis Forsythe, II
Greater New Mt. Moriah - Rev. Kenneth Flowers
Historic Little Rock Baptist - Rev. Dr. Jim Holley
Triumph Church - East Campus (Rev Godbee) - Rev. Dr Jonathan Kinloch
St. Paul AME - Rev. Tammy Harris
Greater Christ Baptist Church - Rev. James Perkins
Samaritan Missionary Baptist Church - Rev. Alton Parks
