By Charlie Caswell Jr., Shelby County Commission District 6

Attention Memphis and Shelby County!
A child’s future can be transformed by a single word, a single book, a single act of encouragement. Today, we stand at a crossroads as a community. Will we let another summer pass with our children falling further behind, or will we unite to give them the fighting start they deserve? The answer begins with reading—and with you.

The Power of Reading: Why Literacy is the Foundation

Reading is not just a skill; it is the foundation upon which every child’s future is built. Literacy opens doors to knowledge, confidence, and opportunity. It is the key to breaking cycles of poverty and violence that have held back too many of our neighborhoods for too long.

When a child learns to read, their world expands. They dream bigger, achieve more, and grow into adults who can lead, innovate, and inspire. But for thousands of children in Memphis, that dream is slipping away. The numbers are sobering: in Shelby County, 75% of students are not reading at grade level—a crisis that threatens the future of our entire community.

The Summer Slide: What Happens When Kids Stop Reading

Every summer, children across America experience what educators call the “summer slide”—a loss of academic skills and knowledge over the long break. For kids who don’t have access to books or learning opportunities, this slide can be devastating. Research shows that students can lose up to two months of reading achievement during the summer, and those losses add up year after year.

The impact is even greater for children in under-resourced communities like Raleigh, Nutbush, and North Shelby County. Without intervention, the gap between struggling readers and their peers widens, making it harder for them to catch up when school resumes.

A Community in Crisis: The Stakes for Memphis Youth

This is not just an academic issue—it’s a matter of life and death. Children who fall behind in reading are more likely to drop out of school, struggle with unemployment, and become entangled in cycles of poverty and violence. Memphis has already been labeled one of the most challenged cities in the nation for youth outcomes, and the scars of COVID-19 have only deepened the crisis.

But we are not powerless. We are a community with heart, resilience, and a deep love for our children. We can change the story, starting today.

Introducing Read 21: A Lifeline for Our Children

That’s why UniverCity Family CDC and I have partnered to bring you Read 21—an innovative, online learning tool designed to combat summer learning loss and boost confidence in reading. This program is more than just a website; it’s a lifeline for families who want their children to succeed but may not have the resources to make it happen on their own.

We are offering this incredible resource to the first 100 children in grades 2nd through 12th who reside in Raleigh, Nutbush, or Unincorporated Shelby County North. Read 21 is tailored to meet each child where they are, helping them build skills, confidence, and a love for reading that will last a lifetime.

Real Stories: The Transformative Power of Literacy

Imagine a second grader who once struggled to read even the simplest sentences. With the right support, that child not only catches up but surpasses expectations, discovering a passion for learning that carries them through high school and beyond. Across Memphis, we have seen children’s lives transformed by literacy programs—kids who once felt invisible now standing tall, proud, and ready to take on the world.

Parents have shared stories of children who, after just a few weeks of focused reading support, began to read to their younger siblings, help with homework, and even dream about college. These are not isolated miracles; they are the result of a community coming together to invest in its future.

Why Everyone Should Care: The Ripple Effect of Literacy

You might be thinking, “I don’t have kids—why should I care?” The answer is simple: when our children succeed, our entire community thrives. Literacy is linked to lower crime rates, better health outcomes, and stronger local economies. Every child who learns to read is one less child at risk of dropping out, one more future leader, teacher, or entrepreneur.

When we invest in literacy, we invest in safer neighborhoods, more vibrant businesses, and a brighter future for all. It’s not just about helping individual families—it’s about lifting up Memphis as a whole.

How to Get Involved: Call to Action

Parents:
If you have a child in grades 2nd-12th living in Raleigh, Nutbush, or North Shelby County, don’t miss this opportunity! Sign up for Read 21 and give your child the gift of literacy. Email us at wraparounddistrict6@gmail.com today—spots are limited to the first 100 children.

Community Members:
Even if you don’t have children, you can make a difference. Share this article with your friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Talk to families in your church, at your job, or in your neighborhood. Volunteer with local literacy programs. Advocate for more resources for our schools and libraries.

Business and Faith Leaders:
Partner with us to expand the reach of Read 21. Sponsor a child, donate books, or host a reading event. Together, we can ensure that every child in Memphis has a fighting start on the future.

Together, We Can Change the Future

The stakes have never been higher, but neither has our hope. We have the power to break cycles, uplift families, and transform our city—one child, one book, one community at a time. Let’s come together and show the world what Memphis can do when we unite for our children.

Ready to transform your child’s learning experience?
Email wraparounddistrict6@gmail.com today!
Together, we are stronger. Together, we are shaping a new generation with brighter tomorrows.

Special thanks to Apostle J Lamon Brodnax, Pastor Tykese Brodnax, and Patricia Lee of Read 21.

#WraparoundDistrict6 #EmpowerOurKids #Read21 #LiteracyMatters #ForThePeople

Share this message. Become a champion for literacy. Let’s give every child in Memphis the fighting start they deserve.

References:
Summer learning loss statistics
Memphis Shelby County youth literacy rates
Impact of literacy on youth outcomes