THRIVING Melanin Family Magazine September 2018 | Page 16

REAL DADS READ
Real Dads Read (RDR) is aimed at The program has three implementation
elementary and middle school aged targets, with the initial focus in Atlanta,
children (K-8) and their fathers/male but set to expand nationwide
caregivers with the goals of 1)
encouraging children to develop a love 1. Creation of learning centers/small
of reading, 2) improving children’s libraries in barbershops;
literacy skills and educational
outcomes, and 3) strengthening bonds 2. Creation of school-based learning
between fathers/caregivers and their centers/small libraries and community
children. groups that meet once a month for
reading activities; and
Real Dads Read is a two-generation
approach to engaging and improving 3. Creation of a social media platform
outcomes for both men and the to impact the current narrative around
children for which they are Black fathers.
responsible. 
READ