Reading Pays More Showcases a Culture of Reading in Fort Lauderdale During 2017 Children’s Multicultural Book Fair and Empowerment Day
FORT LAUDERDALE, May 20, 2017 — Fort Lauderdale’s African American Research Library & Cultural Center was ablaze with color, children’s laughter, and fun learning activities at the Children’s Multicultural Book Fair and Empowerment Day. With games, storytelling, reading parties, origami workshops, and much much more, throngs of youngsters learned about the art and power of reading.
The ‘talking’ drums played by the incredibly skilled young drummer, Nanyamka Graham, called the little ones and their parents to attention. Fascinated by her syncopated rhythms on the African drum, the massive hall got quiet as they flocked around her then obediently answered the call to enter the various seminar rooms for spirited readings, demonstrations, and exhibitions.
The brainchild of Georgia D.N. Robinson, a Caribbean-born attorney and passionate reading ambassador, the day-long Book Fair took off with its mantra to READ MORE!
“I want to reach children early, before they develop bad habits, before they reach 4 years old. Because by the time they turn 3 habits are already formed, personalities have already blossomed. I want to instill in them the love of reading, to motivate them to want to do it on their own,” said Robinson.
The founder of Reading Pays More, a non-profit organization with a mission to “nurture a culture of reading” Robinson realized from an early age that reading was a crucial element to success and earning power. Her personal story of helping her illiterate father in business is not only poignant, it motivated her to dedicate her life to fostering the love of reading.
And indeed, the day’s reading activities took the children around the world as they learned about Native Indian traditions, created fun and wonderful shapes through Japanese origami, learned about the West African origin of Brother Anansi through storytelling, and talked with authors and artists who had their books and artwork on display. Not only were the children and their parents able to browse the books on display, each child received a book of his/her choice absolutely free.
This culturally interactive fun-filled day also piqued children’s interest with food and drinks from around the world. From Caribbean to South American, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Indian, and European, tastebuds were awoken with welcome surprise.
It’s also no surprise that striking a balance is key to motivating children. Thus, activities also included lots of play. Balloons were everywhere, to the delight of the young ones. A bubble blowing party and hula hoop contest also kept them engaged and active.
The excitement continued with youth highlighting world culture through poetry, dance, and song. A cultural Jamaican presentation, Indian song in sanskrit, Ghanian-American crooner, and a dance group demonstrating the fancy footwork of the Irish jig, took the audience on a virtual world tour, closing the day with enthusiasm, curiosity, and hunger for more.
“It’s about awakening the desire to read, which will lead to a better future,” said Robinson.
-END-
Learn more About Reading Pays More at readingpaysmore.com.
Contact: Georgia Robinson Email: info@readingpaysmore.com
