Reading is Revolutionary

 

 

Freedwoman Learning to Read
circa 1870

Freedman Schools were one of the most successful programs within the Freedman's Bureau...with over 4,000 schools built between 1865-1877. Unfortunately, these schools reached only 10% of 4 million possible African-American students of the South...because of lack of money, racism, etc.  

What is the current commitment to reading/ education in our culture? 

Considering that the Federal budget allocates only 4% of it's yearly budget to education and 6% to pay down the interest on our national debt...the question is a good one to ponder! Not to mention the amount of time texting, watching "mindless" television, etc. vs. nightly studies/ homework...

 

What reading does...a very short list.

 

Allows us to dream.

Takes us around the world.

Builds critical thinking skills.

Teaches us to pursue truth...freedom...justice...the best in others...

 



Oscar Wilde

 



I feel the legendary Irish writer and playwright Oscar Wilde says it best:

 

"It is what you read when you don't have
to that defines what you will be..."