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ABOUT US

African American family reading books from their empowering home library
1 in 6 adults struggles with basic reading and writing skills.

Empowering Communities, One Book at a Time

At Let's Get L.I.T., we believe that literacy is the cornerstone of empowerment and growth. Founded by Clianda Florence, a passionate educator and advocate for social justice through literacy, our mission is to light up lives through the power of reading. From Rochester, New York, to communities around the globe, we strive to turn the page on traditional education methods by introducing an emancipatory pedagogy centered on African American literature and the arts.

OUR STORY:

Our journey began with a single realization: the transformative power of words. As a mother and educator, Clianda witnessed firsthand the disparities in literacy among African American children and was determined to make a change. Let's Get L.I.T. (Liberating Individuals Through Literacy Texts) emerged as a beacon of hope, a place where families can come together to learn, grow, and bond over the rich tapestry of stories that reflect their histories and dreams.

What We Do

Let’s Get L.I.T. is more than just a literacy program. It is a movement. We provide families with valuable resources like home libraries, engaging educational programming, and community empowerment sessions. Our flagship initiatives include:

high angle view Happy African American family bonding through reading books at home

Family Book Clubs:

Bringing families together through shared reading experiences.

Young African American child happily engaged in writing in a culturally affirming children's book

Cursive Writing Classes:

Keeping the art of handwriting alive and well.

female teacher reads elementary students

Creative Learning Workshops:

Utilizing art, music, and drama to enhance literacy.

Each program is designed with joy and educational excellence in mind, ensuring that learning is not only accessible but also deeply engaging and inspiring.

Our Impact

Thanks to the heartfelt support of our community and strategic partnerships with organizations like WDKX 103.9 FM and the Rochester Education Foundation, Let's Get L.I.T. has ignited a cultural and educational revival. Our efforts have significantly improved literacy rates, with many of our young readers achieving academic milestones that were once thought beyond reach.

Join Us

Every word you read from here on out can light a brighter path for literacy. Whether through donations, volunteer work, or spreading the word, your support makes you a crucial part of our story—a story of hope, empowerment, and endless possibilities.

young girl laying in her room on a pile of books
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