A volunteer reads with a first grader.
On Oct. 13 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., men of all ages, backgrounds and races will read to students in schools throughout Baltimore as part of The Michael Carter Men Reading in Baltimore City Public Schools Initiative.
Now in its fourth year, the program is meant not only to foster reading among students, but also to model manhood and encourage more community outreach among men, said the program’s founder Marvin “Doc” Cheatham Sr.
Schools, community groups and other institutions that are visible in neighborhoods tend to be run by women, Cheatham said. “So we just needed a way to get men more involved. usually what has been happening is the men get hooked into becoming involved in additional stuff at the school because the principal and teachers recruit them.”
The impact, he said, “is many of our children, because we’re in an urban area, haven’t had great relationships with their fathers, so this gives them a chance to see and interact with a male figure in a positive way.”
For 15-20 minutes on the day, the men are allowed to read anything—after consultation with teachers and/or principals—followed by a discussion period.
Every year, the program has a theme or lesson that they try to leave with the students. “Last year our major theme was ‘stop bullying.’ This year, our theme is to encourage children to come to school,” Cheatham said.
For example, the community activist said, last week it rained and 50 children did not come to the elementary school in his neighborhood. “That is no reason for children not to be attending school,” he said.
So far, Cheatham said, they have recruited a little over a 100 men to read at the 30 participating elementary schools. They’re hoping to boost the number of volunteers to at least 200—this year—and to increase the number of volunteers and participating schools by much more in coming years.