In May, coalition members gathered to celebrate and acknowledge parents and caregivers for their tireless dedication to being Literacy Champions. These 9 Literacy Champions accepted awards from Khulia Pringle, Minnesota Literacy Coalition co-chair, acknowledging their achievement of championing literacy access for all:
The room was filled with heartfelt stories, joyful celebrations, and a powerful sense of community. Each honoree reminded us that literacy is not just about reading and writing, it’s about unlocking a world of opportunity, confidence, and connection for children. Honoree Charles Evans shared “I do it for little me.” Witnessing the commitment, love, and resilience of families advocating for their children’s learning was both humbling and deeply inspiring.
Titilayo Bediako, honoree and Executive Director of WE WIN Institute, shared the importance of equipping children with books that are reflective of their identities. She said “We must all work together towards a path for all our kids learning to read. Marea Perry, Executive Director of Secrets2Truths, also highlighted “there is no such thing as other people’s children” It is a collective effort to champion their success.
What made the evening truly thought-provoking was how it shifted the narrative: parents and caregivers are not just supporters, but true leaders in driving literacy equity. Their lived experiences, cultural wisdom, and everyday advocacy are shaping a brighter future for entire communities. As we celebrated their achievements, we also walked away with a renewed sense of urgency and hope, recognizing that when families are centered and empowered, lasting educational change becomes not only possible, but unstoppable.
