NEW YORK – Yesterday New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) and The New York State Conference of the NAACP New York Conference jointly hosted a screening of The Right to Read followed by a panel discussion at LaGuardia High School. The film positions literacy as a civil rights issue and highlighted the struggles and successes of individuals and families fighting for literacy, emphasizing its importance as a foundation for lifelong success.  

Chancellor David C. Banks gave opening remarks.   

“We launched NYC Reads not just as a response to the reading crisis, but as a beacon of hope and a model for others to follow,” said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. “When we make real and innovative change in NYC, we give the rest of the country permission to follow suit.” 

Following the film, there was a panel discussion featuring: 

• Carolyne V. Quintana, NYCPS Deputy Chancellor of Teaching and Learning  

• Kareem Weaver, Right to Read Film Producer and NAACP Oakland Vice President & Education Committee Chair 

• Dr. Kymyona Burk, Senior Policy Fellow, ExcelinEd   

• Dr. Ivory Toldson, NAACP Director of Education Innovation and Research  

• Moderated by Dr. Pelton C. Moss, NAACP Education Fellow and American University Education Policy Professor 

Panelists discussed strategies to address literacy challenges. Attendees engaged in meaningful dialogue, reaffirming their commitment to educational equity.  

Photos of the event can be found here.