Frederick Douglas said “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” The founder of Read It and Leave It, Miosha RJ, began this incredible nonprofit to “improve access to appropriate books and fun literacy enrichment activities in Harlem” after seeing children and families with no books, no magazines, no reading materials. Miosha took action and became the change she wished to see in the world so children who live in Harlem, who did not have access to books, could get free books to have, and keep, to read over and over, perhaps at some point leaving the book with someone else. She knew the power reading has in the future of a child. It was a joy and honor to talk with Miosha about this special and incredible nonprofit.
“I believe the children are our future.” Whitney Houston
When her son was younger he had lots of books he had outgrown. Miosha knew throwing them away wasn’t an option and wanted the books to go to someone, or somewhere, where they would be read and enjoyed. One day she had the idea of taking the books her son had out grown to her niece so her son could read them to his baby cousin and leave them with her, igniting within Miosha the idea of recycling the books back into her community of Harlem. Thinking back to playdates when her son was a toddler, she realized that books weren’t always in the homes of other children and families. While doing extensive research on the impact of book deserts she understood the importance of her idea, making it her mission to assist low income families where children often did not have access to books to help these families build home libraries for their children. Miosha’s mom, a dancer and educator, had instilled in her the value of education and reading. Knowing that there were households in her community where children live that did not have books fueled Miosha. She went back to school, obtained her Master’s in Public Administration and used her wealth of experience in educational and non-profit sectors to develop Read It and Leave It “to distribute culturally conscious books and provide positive reading experiences to children ” in Harlem.
“The achievement gap that exists between low-income and high-income children can be narrowed or even closed by giving books to low-income kids.” Read It and Leave It
Read It and Leave It is robust is the values it holds. Community represents “enhancing mutually beneficial relationships. Anticipatory Joy is about “a positive attitude and orientation to the future.” Security is “always being able to acquire knowledge and navigate the world.” Love is “committed action for the well-being of others.” Excellence defines “dedication to being the best one can be.” The depth and reach of Read It and Leave It programs and services are immense. There are partnerships with community centers, after-school programs, summer camps, NYCHA developments and other Community Based Organizations (CBOs) where art and play are paired with literacy activities, book giveaways and other pertinent community resources. While Miosha creates and spearheads all programming, events and activities; community volunteers, CBO partnerships and local artists come together to bring Read It and Leave It services to fruition while building community. All activities are children centered, fun, and reading is embedded into everything. At Read It and Leave It’s most recent back to school event they had at least 158 participants, giving away backpacks filled with school supplies, artists customizing the backpacks, clothes designing, haircuts and hair braiding, hot food, fresh produce, books, and more, all free of charge. When conducting a session with Youth Justice (a CBO serving 18-24 year olds involved in the justice system) she provided lyrics to the rap song “Changes” by Tupac Shakur as a track to literacy and learning. Pop-Ups in the park is where Miosha recruits friends to join her in handing out books and resources at local playgrounds. Miosha fondly recalled a Pop-Up at a NYC HA Housing Authority development in her community where a little boy remembered her from a previous Pop-Up and said “I remember you from last time and I read the whole book you gave me.” He then went to search through the new book collection she had brought to the park. These moments matter. Reading matters. Meeting the children and Harlem community where they are at and giving them opportunities to read, learn, grow, and become educationally empowered matters.
“By reading and leaving (donating) books to students the students have the opportunity to build home libraries.” Read It and Leave It
Miosha, who works as a substitute teacher and tutor , is the person making sure all things Read It and Leave It happen along with a dedicated group of volunteers, including her son, who joyfully help out in all programs. What started as a “thought” is now making a sustained difference in the lives of children in Harlem. And this is just the beginning. Miosha wants Read It and Leave It to continue growing as this grassroots organization is about community. Building partnerships with more community centers, organizations, schools, and the NYC public library where Read It and Leave It is a NYC Public Library Vendor are happening while being culturally conscious in all they do. One goal is to have a brick and mortar home-base where children and families can come to read books and leave with books as well as providing other programs and support.
“Our programs are designed to be flexible and adaptable, making them suitable for a variety of settings, including schools, community centers, libraries, and even local parks. No matter the location, our programs are characterized by motivation readings combined with engaging art and play activities that captivate children’s imaginations and foster a love of learning. But our commitment extends beyond academic settings. We also host free community events that offer not only educational activities but also a wide range of essential resources and services.” Read It and Leave It
It is with joy and honor we shine the Kindness Champions Spotlight on the culturally conscious, dedicated, determined grassroots organization Read It and Leave It in Harlem New York. Miosha RJ’s thought is writing a story that demonstrates how to care for your community, how to build community, and how to bring reading and books to all children in Harlem. We thank you for being you and bringing your awesomeness to the world.
For more information on this incredible organization here is their information:
Website: Read It & Leave It https://riali.org/
Instagram: @readitandleaveitharlem https://www.instagram.com/readitandleaveitharlem/
Facebook: @ReadItandLeaveIt https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066933675732
