Literacy Event and “The Right to Read”

A free showing of the documentary “The Right to Read,” followed by a panel discussion with local educators and community members, will be held on Monday, January 15th, at the Capital Repertory Theater in Albany. Paul “Batman” Collins-Hackett, director of the RED Bookshelf, discusses how the film captures the stories of NAACP activists, a teacher, and others who fought to provide children with the most foundational indicator of life-long success — the ability to read — by demanding that teaching focus on phonics and other proven techniques. He also explains how his organization distributes free books and offers other services throughout the Capital Region to encourage literacy, and notes the collaboration with the Albany Public Library and the Wizard’s Wardrobe on sponsoring the film event. This showing was planned even before Governor Hochul, in her State of the State address, noted the need to improve literacy skills for children. For more details, and to register for the free event, see attherep.org/event/pearl-side-presents-the-right-to-read/. For more information on the RED Bookshelf, see www.theredbookshelf.org. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.