Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the Mayor’s Office of Comprehensive Community Education, and the #NewarkReads Literacy Coalition (NRLC) wrapped up their five-ward tour. The final Newark Literacy Town Hall took place at the Boys & Girls Club of Newark on Saturday, November 1, at 11 a.m.
The event was the final stop in a tour that brought different communities together each month. The goal was to highlight the importance of literacy and teach ways to help children improve proficiency. Parents and caregivers provided input for the NRLC, learned about free high-dosage tutoring, and accessed resources from city partners. Each event included informative talks, discussion groups, child activities, and giveaways, including electronic devices.
This tour’s conclusion shifts the coalition’s attention to the upcoming Mayor Ras J. Baraka’s Literacy Symposium. This convening will outline the full spectrum of the #NewarkReads Literacy Coalition’s 2026 programs and initiatives. The location for the symposium will be announced soon.
“Literacy is so much more than a stepping stone to academic and career success. It literally unlocks a lifetime of learning that liberates us through an understanding of our world,” said Mayor Baraka. He noted that Newark’s literacy movement began as a response to a post-COVID school score crisis and has “snowballed into a powerful coalition of partners” dedicated to the welfare of children.
NRLC’s Mission and Partnerships
The NRLC is Mayor Baraka’s initiative to promote literacy across Newark. The coalition’s goal is to provide comprehensive support in early literacy, increase better outcomes for maternal health, and nurture a love for reading. The City created the NRLC to forge partnerships that promote reading initiatives like the Mayor’s Book Club. Following the post-COVID decline in literacy scores, Mayor Baraka established the Brain Trust to Address the Urgent Literacy Crisis and published a 10-Point Literacy Plan.
“Mayor Ras Baraka’s vision is that #NewarkReads Literacy Coalition is creating a literacy ecosystem where families in Newark can know just how resource-rich this community really is to address all things literacy,” said Dr. Sharnee Brown, Chief Education Officer for the Office of Comprehensive Community Education.
Community partners are committed to collaboration. “We know that real problems are addressed through mobilization, collaboration, coordinated care and an invested interest in everyone’s success,” Dr. Brown stated.
Tutoring and Community Impact
The Boys & Girls Club of Newark hosted the final town hall. CEO Ameer Washington noted that after surveying over 100 parents, literacy emerged as a top priority. He said, “Through the Newark Reads Literacy Coalition, we’re proud to turn that insight into action—launching tutoring for over 50 of our members.”
Reading Partners has committed to providing free high-dosage tutoring to families who signed up during the tour. Dr. Naima Ricks, Managing Director of Partnerships and Growth at Reading Partners Newark, confirmed that starting in January 2026, families can sign up directly to enroll their children in the one-on-one literacy tutoring program.
Generous partners supported the events. Panasonic donated 10 personal tablet devices. Teach For America contributed two free Kindle e-readers and other raffle prizes. Panasonic’s Vice President Alejandra Ceja noted that their contribution demonstrates their commitment to strengthening the communities they call home.
