7-Year-Old launches nonprofit with MLK Weekend March for Literacy

The once far-fetched dream of 7-year-old Selah Thompson will become a reality on Saturday, January 19.

The precocious, Atlanta Public School first-grader from Atlanta’s Glenwood Park will lead hundreds of youngsters through the streets of southeast Atlanta MLK weekend to advocate for kids, just like her, to have greater opportunities to learn to read.

"The March to 20Hundred Thousand Books: A Children's March for Literacy"

While organizing hundreds for her literacy march may seem like a large enough feat, Selah has also set a goal of collecting, by the event, at least 5,000 books — a first deposit toward her ultimate goal of stockpiling “20hundred thousand” (that’s 2 million in adult terms) - that will expand opportunities for young people and their families to experience the joys and adventures of reading.

“We always knew Selah had a vivid imagination and a giving heart, but we never imagined it would lead us here,” said Nicole Thompson, one half of the dream-fulfilling duo behind Selah. She and husband, Khalil, are working tirelessly to help their daughter recruit kids and volunteers for the big day, from visiting Atlanta public schools to attending local family events.

So far, the community has responded with great support. Selah and her parents have already registered more than 900 kids, who have been encouraged to arrive march day dressed as their favorite character from their favorite book.

Current partners and sponsors include Atlanta Public Schools, Carter, Chick-fil-A Foundation, Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Georgia Public Broadcasting, Georgia State University, King of Pops, MailChimp, and Teach for America to name a few.

Even stars of the hit PBS animated series Super WHY! will be present and march alongside Selah and friends.

Festivities for The Children's March for Literacy will begin at 9 a.m. outside the new Georgia State Stadium (formerly Turner Field). During the first hour, kids will create banners, signs and flags to parade as they march down the route. The march will then begin at 10:30 a.m., led by the Atlanta Drum Academy, and will end a half mile away at the former Georgia Hill Library on Georgia Avenue in Grant Park.

There Selah and her “squad” of kids will plant the first of what will ultimately be 72 Little Free Libraries in 24 other neighborhoods around the city located in library deserts.

The libraries will be the first program of the Thompsons’ new nonprofit, Empowered Readers Literacy Project, which will harness the energy from the march into year-round impact.

Once upon a time...

The story of the Empowered Readers Literacy Project began when Selah came home from her first day of kindergarten visibly upset. She was shocked that so many of her peers didn’t know how to read and some didn’t even know their ABCs.

“We took it as a real teachable moment and explained that many families don’t have the same access and resources,” said Khalil of the moment that would change his family’s life forever.

While Selah understood her parents’ explanation, she was dissatisfied with the answer and challenged them to help her find a way to make change. What started as a small book drive for her school is now a nonprofit with the vision of eradicating the epidemic of illiteracy among children and their families.

January also marks Selah’s debut as a published author. Her first book, “Penelope the Pirate Princess,” will be released just before the march with proceeds supporting the nonprofit.

The Stats

As Khalil and Nicole dove deeper into the issue, they, like their daughter, were shocked by what they found. Statistics show that:

• 68% of Atlanta Public School students cannot read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade
• Nationally, 2/3 of students who cannot read by 4th grade end up in jail or on welfare

“For many kids, the end of their stories is being written despite their not having any say in the narrative,” said Khalil, underscoring the link between reading proficiency and life skills.

While Selah’s nonprofit wants to inspire kids of all backgrounds, other goals include benefiting under-served communities and offering books that illustrate the diverse families reading them.

“We believe that books with diverse, engaging content shared in connection with real human interaction will get kids excited about reading on their own and with their families,” added Nicole.

For more information on Empowered Readers Literacy Project and “The March to 20Hundred Thousand: A Children’s March for Literacy,” including volunteer opportunities and registration information, visit www.empoweredreaders.org.