Aja La’Starr and Adrienne Draper are on a mission to empower Black youth with a tool that never loses its power – the ability to read.
These dynamic sisters hosted their “Snuggle Up for Literacy” event at the Lewis and Clark Branch of St. Louis County Library on Jan. 11. Families of all backgrounds gathered outside the door eagerly waiting for the event to begin.
“There are foster care families here, children on the spectrum, grandparents, and fathers, it is truly a beautiful sight to see,” La’Starr said. “We hope that families learn new literacy activities they can do at home, utilize resources from the local organizations represented here, and will become more proactive in advocating and promoting the love of literacy within the community, especially black and brown communities.”
The goal of the Snuggle Up for Literacy event is not just about encouraging attendees to read, but also providing interactive literacy approaches for families that will instill a love for reading and writing.
Snuggle Up for Literacy is the newest venture they shared with the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they distributed over 2,000 copies of their children’s books. Along with the books were literacy kits that included PBS Kids tablets, activity books, coloring books, dry-erase boards, hot cocoa, snacks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, Raising Cane’s gift cards, throw blankets, and more.
“This event is important because we firmly believe that we are responsible for changing the narrative in our community,” Draper said. “Bringing together educators, mentors, entrepreneurs, and influencers is imperative as we collectively work together for the same mission – investing in the future of our youth.”
Throughout the event, at least 200 people filled the room. After checking in, each child received a passport that encouraged them to visit vendors and listen to a read-aloud from three local black male authors and one black woman author. The kids participated in the literacy activities throughout the room. Once their passport was signed, the kids received a bag filled with a blanket, teddy bear, hot cocoa, popcorn, cookies, and a bookmark. Guests were given free Raising Cane’s and Chick-Fil-A gift cards. The literacy activities were sight word bingo, show don’t tell, and free writing.
There was plenty of support for the event from community partners and organizations. They included Ready Readers, Bridge 2 Hope, Black Men Read, Kolors Inc., Dear Fathers, Dads to Duolas, BeeBeeBooks, Life Foundation, CARE (Change and Action for Racial Equity), The Good Shepherd Early Learning Center, and Turn the Page STL. Each organization provided essential resources and support to families in attendance.
“I saw families spending time together, acquaintances catching up, and folks making new connections from across the St. Louis region,” said RJ Sak, who attended with their family.
Since 2011, La’Starr has published 13 books, and Draper has published seven books. The sisters have helped publish more than 30 authors, mostly children authors, including a 6-year-old scribe. La’Starr is a former Jennings Councilwoman, while Draper is a St. Louis educator who has always been on a mission to represent children of color. Combined they have worked in education for more than 15 years, serving in the Jennings School District, Pattonville School District, and Confluence Academy.
Through the art of storytelling, these two sisters decided to take matters into their own hands when they realized the lack of diverse books available to children of color. Each of their children’s books has a strong message of empathy, patience, confidence, and love.
Over the years they have participated in more than 100 book readings and literary events across the region. La’Starr and Draper have been instrumental in coordinating book fairs, and workshops, donating copies of their books to kids throughout the St. Louis City, St. Louis County and surrounding areas.
The sisters follow the mission of the NAACP’s Right to Read campaign and Saint Louis Public Schools Literacy for The Lou initiative.
“Literacy is the first step toward freedom, toward liberation from social and economic constraints,” said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, “It is the prerequisite for development, both individual and collective. It reduces poverty and inequality, creates wealth, and helps to eradicate problems of nutrition and public health.”
The alarming rate of Black children in Saint Louis Public Schools who are behind in reading further pushes the sisters to encourage families to read to young children. According to Chester Asher, founder of Coalition with STL Kids, 87% of Black students in Saint Louis Public Schools are struggling to read.
La’Starr and Draper want children to feel like they matter and to be proud of themselves and who they are becoming. The duo hopes that children of color can feel like they are seen and valued. They want to continue bringing out stories that reflect the diversity of black and brown children.
Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.