I spent some time on a special project last month that led me down memory lane – to the summer of 2023, when friends and family partnered with me to donate a literary step to Kenya Connect that featured the cover of my novel Watercolored Pearls.
This nonprofit based in a rural region of East Africa understands how fostering reading and literacy among youth and parents alike can uplift generations.
It was an honor to have the Watercolored Pearls step installed near book covers donated by my literary friends Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft. Reflecting on the impact of giving youths daily exposure to books, and reading, lifted my hope.
As we enter this long holiday weekend, wherever you live in the world, I encourage you to visit your local library, bookstore or your own bookshelf and pick a book to read or re-read, while inspiring a young person in your life to do the same.
Reading can build knowledge and empathy, foster understanding and creativity, and ultimately, strengthen humanity.
Still Unfolding with Stacy Hawkins Adams 