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Who We Are
Welcome to The Coota Literary Enhancement Project (CLEP), where we are dedicated to igniting a passion for literacy by celebrating and promoting Black literature and Black artists. Inspired by the works of Haywood Fennell, Sr., our mission is to create a platform that fosters a love for reading, particularly among young people.
We believe that the Black experience and the voices of Black authors are vital, and that telling our stories has a significant impact on learning and understanding. We also recognize the importance of collaboration with other community organizations to further our mission and make a broader impact.
Our Journey
As we traveled down this path, we couldn’t ignore the challenges we faced—challenges born from a crumbling education system that desperately needs care and nourishment. Reports and statistics show that we are further behind now than we were before the pandemic, and in truth, this lag has been ongoing for years.
We asked ourselves how we could help bring hope and growth to our youth and families, and the answer became clear: replenishing development through literacy.
We believe that reading is exciting, reading is an adventure, and most importantly, it helps us appreciate ourselves. With this in mind, we aim to provide our youth with engaging alternatives and celebrate the Black artists who are creating the content that sparks interest and inspires change.
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At The Coota Literacy Enhancement Project, our journey began with a deep belief in the power of Black literature—a belief that understanding and appreciating our rich history is not just important, but vital. From the very start, we knew that sharing these stories with passion and dedication was the key to making a difference.
Whether through the written word, spoken narratives, music, dance, or theatre, we've always celebrated storytelling in all its forms, ensuring that the diverse voices in our community are heard loud and clear.
Why We Do It
We recognize that many children haven't had the chance to fully engage with literature that reflects their culture and history. This gap in reading not only impacts personal growth but also our collective legacy.
The Coota Literacy Enhancement Project is here to help bridge that gap, offering an opportunity for individuals to become not just readers, but lifelong learners and achievers.
We understand that one word can make a difference, and through this initiative, we hope to inspire a deeper connection to literature and foster a brighter future for all.
What We Do
At the CLEP, our mission encompasses several key goals.
We focus on promoting literacy within the community, especially among youth, and advocate for the creation of household libraries to foster a culture of reading together at home.
We use literature to spark conversations about the past, fostering learning and growth despite historical challenges.
Additionally, we empower individuals to become leaders through literacy and education. Our work is rooted in extensive literary research on the Black experience, providing education as a powerful tool against racism.
We actively support Black bookstores as vital community resources, and we collaborate with other organizations to ensure our youth have meaningful, enriching alternatives that celebrate Black artistry and creativity.
Our Vision
Embracing the belief that "We control our own destiny," we aim to inspire and empower future generations to lead and shape their own futures. By encouraging young people to engage with books that reflect their culture and identity, we’re not just fostering a love for reading—we’re planting seeds for a brighter future.
We believe in our motto: "A family that reads together, grows stronger together," and are committed to making reading an exciting and adventurous part of life for everyone we reach.
Take a moment to consider: What does freedom mean to you?
Meet The Team
Our Partners
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