Lunch and Learn with Education Consultant Aja McNair at the Hilton Carillon

Our mission at the Phyllis Wheatley Rise to Read Campaign is rooted in the goal of ensuring that scholars of the African diaspora read on or above grade level. One of our core strategies involves hosting culturally relevant community events to promote literacy and emphasize the importance of reading within the African community.The Juneteenth Literacy Festival is a vital component of our community engagement efforts, aiming to celebrate African culture, raise awareness about the importance of literacy, and create a sense of unity and empowerment.

The Phyllis Wheatley Rise to Read Campaign

The PWRTRC Juneteenth Literacy Festival will be on June 13-16 and June 22 in St. Pete! Music, dance, education and celebrations of freedom.

Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park

The PWRTRC Juneteenth Literacy Festival

Join us for a special Lunch and Learn featuring Aja McNair, an experienced education curriculum consultant who has trained hundreds of elementary school teachers and homeschool parents on collective and independent strategies to support reading among young African scholars. The Phyllis Wheatley Rise to Read Campaign will host the Lunch And Learn from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024 at Hilton Carillon, 950 Lake Carillon Drive in St. Petersburg. Recognizing the significance of education in shaping young minds, Aja has taken on the role of guiding and supporting parents and educators in their journey to help young scholars across the nation. With over a decade of experience in education, Aja developed her own phonics curriculum tailored for struggling 2nd-5th grade children. With a unique blend of wisdom and passion, Aja delivers transformative messages that resonate with audiences, leaving a lasting impact and a once in a lifetime memory for all stakeholders involved. The Lunch And Learn is one of several activities hosted in June by the Phyllis Wheatley Rise to Read Campaign as part of an overall 2024 Juneteenth Literacy Festival. Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is celebrated annually throughout the nation on June 19 and recognizes when the last remaining enslaved people in the Confederacy learned of their freedom. Through their strength and example, Philly Wheatley Rise to Read Campaign has made it the organization’s mission to boldly take strides to make sure that our African youth receive the necessary literacy skills that will allow them to succeed and continue the legacy set by those before us. Funds raised during the music festival will assist with that effort. The Phyllis Wheatley Rise to Read Campaign’s 2024 Juneteenth Literacy Festival and its activities are being sponsored by City of St. Petersburg, Duke Energy, Pinellas County Schools, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, St. Petersburg Police Department, Pinellas Education Foundation and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. This event was designed to provide equal opportunity for enjoyment by all participants. If you would like to request accessibility assistance for particular aids or services pursuant to disability laws, please contact the event planner at (727-798-5361). You can contact the City of St Petersburg Community Affairs Division if you unable to connect with the event planner regarding accessible accommodations at (727) 893-7345 or (727) 892-5259 TDD/TTY

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