ABOUT OUR INITIATIVE
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NASHVILLE CHAPTER OF BLACK MEN RUN
INSPIRING THE LOVE OF READING THROUGH THE LOVE OF RUNNING TO HELP BLACK AND BROWN BOYS IMPROVE READING PROFICIENCY, OUTRUN CHILDHOOD OBESITY AND LIVE FULLER, HEALTHIER LIVES.
reading proficiency matters
Reading is the basic building block of ALL learning. We model and support positive reading habits to help generate hope for academic success and beyond.
Literacy
In partnership with schools and organizations in under-resourced communities, our volunteer partners share valuable time with our boys reading one-on-on or in small groups and providing reading support which builds the confidence they need to embrace and love reading.
leadership
Each Brown Boys Read session is launched with a 10 minute speaker who introduces a key word and influential African American/Black role model. We introduce, model, and reinforce leadership skills, strategies and tools our boys will need to be leaders in their home, schools and community.
health & wellness
In 2020, 35% of Metro Nashville Public School (MNPS) elementary students were either overweight or obese. We coach the boys each week and teach lessons that promote good health and habits. The season culminates with each boy running 3.1 miles in the Steps of Success 5K run/walk in September of each year.
findings and stats
READING PROFICIENCY MATTERS:
About 16% of children who are not reading proficiently by the end of third grade do not graduate from high school on time - a rate four times greater than that for proficient readers.
AFFORDING OPPORTUNITIES:
Children whose families live in poverty are usually deprived of early education and are more likely to attend low-performing schools.
THERE IS A CLEAR CORRELATION BETWEEN READING PROFICIENCY AND POVERTY WHEN IT COMES TO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATES AND UNFAVORABLE LIFE OUTCOMES.
Tornado Response News Channel 5 Feature
Black Men Run, Brown Boys Read
