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.

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

Haywood Fennell, Sr.

Founder

Haywood Fennell, Sr. is the founder of the Veterans Reading Brigade, a Boston-based group of U.S. Military Veterans promoting literacy. Raised in Harlem and now residing in Boston, Haywood collaborates with educators to create programs like “That’s Not My Name” and “Our Leaders Are Readers,” which enhance reading comprehension and appreciation.

A self-published author, Haywood's first book, Coota and the Magic Quilt, earned accolades from the Boston Herald and Verizon. His latest work, Oba and the People of Gi, received honors from the Witherspoon Chronicle Institute. He is also a playwright and founded the Oscar Micheaux Family Theater Program Company.

A Vietnam Era Veteran (Non-Combat) and UMass Boston graduate, Haywood is a dedicated advocate for literacy, Black history, and cultural competence, with numerous awards recognizing his community service.

Stephanie Greene

Stephanie Greene is a dynamic and a passionate Youth Development Specialist based in Boston. Lifelong resident of Dorchester, Stephanie leverages her extensive expertise in educational program design to captivate and engage youth through innovative applications of technology and food safety.

Deeply committed to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, Stephanie is dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities, especially youth and veterans. Beyond her professional pursuits, Stephanie’s enthusiasm extends to culinary arts and music engineering. She actively contributes to her community through her involvement with Project R.I.G.H.T. Neighborhood group, VFW, and the Roxbury Collaborative, infusing energy and innovation into every project.