RSVP HERE

Center for Spiritual Wisdom and The Augustine Literacy Project are partnering to present the film The Right to Read, an eye-opening documentary on the alarming literacy crisis in the US on September 12 at 6PM in Ingram Auditorium at Brevard College.

Across the nation, including Transylvania County, schools are struggling to equip our children with the fundamental skill of reading. Research reveals alarming statistics: a significant percentage of children in our community struggle with basic reading proficiency, while an even larger percentage fall below grade level. These challenges disproportionately affect children from low-income families, further exacerbating the problem.

The Right to Read depicts the compelling story of an activist, a teacher, and two American families who are tirelessly fighting to ensure our youngest generation receives the essential foundation for lifelong success: the ability to read. It unravels the dire consequences children face when they lack this crucial skill, including increased risks of incarceration, homelessness, and unemployment. One of the film’s central figures is Kareem Weaver, an Oakland-based NAACP activist, who staunchly declares literacy as one of the greatest civil rights issues of our time.

Brevard-based Center for Spiritual Wisdom (CSW) strives to integrate soul work and justice work, science and spirituality, faith and reason, individual needs and the public good. With this founding principle in mind, CSW is collaborating with The Augustine Literacy Project (ALP), a local non-profit organization dedicated to improving the reading, writing, and spelling abilities of low-income students who struggle with literacy skills. ALP achieves its mission by providing free, long-term one-on-one reading instruction through trained volunteer tutors.

Immediately following the screening of The Right to Read, there will be a panel discussion of Transylvania County educators, Brevard College faculty, literacy experts and community leaders discussing how to address this issue locally.

There is no charge for this event. However, a suggested donation of $10 to cover costs for this film is gratefully accepted. Proceeds will be shared with the Augustine Literacy Project. We encourage folks to register prior to the event, though walk-ins will be allowed, space permitting. Please note, there is not a suggested donation for college students attending this event.