The Art of Reading Depot, in collaboration with Straight Roads International Inc. and Conference Coordinator Dr. Christopher Davis, will host the official Re-Launch festivities for the Black Children’s Literacy Conference from August 13 to August 17, 2026.
The multi-day event debuts an innovative Reading and Writing-A-Thon built to combat severe literacy deserts across rural pockets of South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina. The initiative currently spans 28 of South Carolina’s 46 counties.
The 2026 conference focuses on the future of Black youth in America, with a primary emphasis on Black boys and literacy. Built on student leadership, the youth participants themselves will facilitate the conference sessions. The program serves grades 2–12, encouraging middle and high school students to form reading and writing teams.
The festivities feature a dynamic lineup of community events:
• Conference Kickoff & Ice Cream Social: Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Champions Ice Cream Parlor (147 S. Main Street, Mullins, SC). Mr. Jae’Len Fore, Head Basketball Coach and ELA teacher at Johnakin Middle School, will serve as the keynote speaker.
• Official Re-Launch Ceremony: Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Tabernacle AME Church (3692 Hwy 9, Marion, SC 29571). Featured speakers include Dr. Tyneshia Eaddy, Director of Secondary Education and Accountability, Clarendon County SC Schools, and Mr. Rick Jones, Executive Director of the Millican Arts Foundation, of Sumter, SC.
• Conference Finale Celebration: Sunday, August 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM. The conference closes with a special tribute to Black women who wear hats to church, honoring their tireless work to increase the life chances of Black boys in their communities.
The Sunday finale features addresses from Dr. Tyneshia Eaddy and special guest Dr. Billy Yarbrough, the great-nephew of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the historic founder of Negro History Week (now celebrated as Black History Month).
Throughout the program, registered Reading-A-Thon students will be introduced to African-American Children’s and Young Adult Reader’s Collections at local public libraries. Students will write a synopsis for every book read, meeting weekly with interns in person or virtually. The project culminates at the end of the school report card period when students return to the stage to share what they have learned.
“We are addressing a critical need by focusing directly on Black boys and literacy,” said Dr. Christopher Davis, Conference Coordinator. “By blending academic accountability, student leadership, and the profound legacy of leaders like Dr. Carter G. Woodson, we are giving our youth the tools to shape their own futures.”
Parents, educators, and community members are invited to attend all weekend events. For registration forms, schedules, or media inquiries, contact Christopher Davis (267) 667-1783 or email: curatingboolsandart@gmail.com