Newark, NJ--In an effort to promote reading and literacy throughout the district, Newark Public Schools kicked off the United Way’s Celebrity Read program at First Avenue School.

Interim Superintendent of Newark Public Schools Robert Gregory was joined by Assistant Superintendent Erskine Glover, Principal Jose Fuentes, Essex County Freeholder Robert Mercado and members of the Newark Police Department, among others, to launch the district's participation in the program.

Celebrity Read was established in 1991 by Newark-based United Way of Essex and West Hudson (UWEWH) as a community-building initiative to diversify the United Way volunteer base while advocating for literacy for elementary school students.

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The district has been involved in the program for close to two decades.

Recruited from all walks of life, celebrity readers travel to local schools where they read a brief passage about the accomplishments of model people of color who have played an integral role in American and world history.

The celebrity readers also share their own life experiences with students, emphasizing the importance of education and reading in particular.

Celebrities include anyone who volunteers their time to share their accomplishments with area youth, including members of the business community, government employees, musicians, athletes and actors.

Readers can select the schools and grades of their choice from among several school districts within the United Way service areas in Essex and West Hudson counties.





Originally conceived as a way to celebrate Black History Month, the program was subsequently expanded to include other minorities.

The program, designated a “Local Legacy” by the Library of Congress, celebrates the diverse history of African Americans and those of Latino heritage and their role in shaping a national identity.

The Local Legacies project was initiated in 2000 by members of Congress to commemorate the Library of Congress Bicentennial and to celebrate diversity throughout the United States.

Some celebrity readers taking part in this year's program include New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way, who visited Thirteenth Avenue/Dr. MLK, Jr. Elementary School on Tuesday.

“The Celebrity Read Program allows us to share the joy of reading with our students and our community,” Gregory said. “Thank you to the United Way and to all participating NPS and to the United Way for continuing to bring this important program to our schools during the month of February.”

In 2016, UWEWH announced its receipt of a $4.4 million private donation to support literacy for Newark Public School students through a three-year implementation plan.

The monies fund the continuation of the My Very Own Library (MVOL) program, an initiative made possible through UWEWH and Scholastic Book Fairs that offers students in need an opportunity to own their own books.