成人快播

February is #BlackHistoryMonth and a time to celebrate #Black power, history, community, and so much more.

Meet Latasha

Latasha is an AmeriCorps Alumna who started her 成人快播 journey in 2018 at MacArthur Elementary where she served as the reading center鈥檚 literacy lead. In 2019 she joined the full-time staff as the community engagement coordinator of recruitment, where she is often the first person to interact with prospective volunteers. To understand why Latasha is passionate about 成人快播, you have to know her story.

The literacy crisis hits home

Long before she ever heard of or 成人快播, Latasha held a firm belief that all students matter and deserve a fighting chance to reach their full potential. Latasha鈥檚 son, Daniel, was a student at Wayman Tisdale Fine Arts Academy when his teacher noticed he was falling behind his peers in reading and made the recommendation to enroll him in 成人快播. This was the first time Latasha heard about the program and that Daniel would be provided one-on-one literacy instruction with a volunteer tutor.听

At the time, Latasha also happened to be looking for a new job opportunity. She had not only seen the academic gains her own son was making in the program, but had also heard great things from friends and family about the organization. 鈥淓verything just fell into place, and I knew I was exactly where I needed to be,鈥� Latasha said regarding the decision to apply for a year of national service with AmeriCorps through 成人快播. Now, Latasha would have the same opportunity to help students in the community unlock their potential — just like her son had received.听

Now, Latasha would have the same opportunity to help students in the community unlock their potential — just like her son had received.

Latasha #GetsThingsDone with AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps is an opportunity for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to give their time and talent to strengthen communities. Members serve with organizations like 成人快播 to strengthen communities across our nation.

During her year of service, Latasha worked one-on-one with a portfolio of students ranging from kindergarten to third grade, all of whom were six months to two years behind in reading. She was encouraged by her student鈥檚 growth, but also witnessed the daily struggle of teachers trying to lead classes that are filled over capacity. When Latasha completed her year of service she still had a feeling that there was much more to do [to combat the literacy crisis.] 鈥淚 just couldn鈥檛 leave,鈥� Latasha said.

Inspiring others to get involved

The skills she gained during her year of AmeriCorps service set Latasha on a new trajectory within the organization. She applied for a position on 成人快播鈥� full-time staff to engage community members as volunteers. As the community engagement recruitment coordinator,听 she is typically the first person prospective volunteers meet. In this role, Latasha combines her previous experience that gave her an intimate understanding of 成人快播鈥� curriculum with her infectious and inspiring outlook on how to 鈥済et the work done鈥� for Tulsa students. Volunteers can鈥檛 deny her passion for our work as she helps them make the decision to sign up to support a student.听

Lifting voices, empowering others

This year, Latasha also began serving on the Tulsa region鈥檚 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) council. For Latasha, joining this council meant an opportunity to be a voice for people who had similar life experiences as her.

“I wanted to have a voice on the trajectory of how our DEI Council and sessions would be set up for this year and for many years to come. I feel empowered to be part of such important and transformational work!” Latasha says.

Latasha is committed to helping 成人快播 build a culturally competent and representative team that will advance social justice through our service in schools and communities because she personally has felt the impact 成人快播 can have on a student. This pushes her to 鈥渄o the hard work鈥� as a part of the 成人快播 staff as well as a member of the community we serve.

There are hundreds of students, like Daniel, who still need reading support from a weekly reading partner. Latasha hopes that by sharing her story and contributing to the DEI Council, she will be a voice for people who share similar experiences to her own.听

Exploring the world through #OwnVoices and diverse books

In her free time, Latasha enjoys reading with her two children and supporting Black-owned businesses and bookstores like .

“Reading allows us to travel to other worlds, gain knowledge, broaden perspective, and immerse ourselves in other cultures and rich history. What better way than to immerse yourself in the history and majestics of Black history and culture than to read about it!” Latasha says.听

Latasha鈥檚 book list:

Check out what Latasha and her family are reading as they celebrate and honor Black History this month and all-year long.听

For my son, Daniel, age 8:

听

I had been wanting to get my kids more books that have characters that look like them. Daniel read this book and then said, 鈥淢ommy, I feel so good about myself because I know I am every good thing!鈥� The fact that he can READ the book is one thing, but then to see him make the connection and internalize the message, and then be empowered by it!鈥�

Read Aloud:

Interview with author

For my daughter, Michelle, age 7:听

听

I love reading this with my daughter. It鈥檚 such a beautiful book!

Watch:

For me as a mom:

听

Karamo Brown wrote this book for his son. I got this book for both of my kids, but it turned out to be a wonderful reminder to me that my kids are perfectly designed! I know their journey and testimony will be different, and I am so grateful to be their mom.

Watch: