The Read – CLI's Quarterly Newsletter
Winter 2024
Black History Month and a commitment to building more inclusive and equitable communities.
From the CEO / Dr. Diana Greene
Dear CLI Community –
As Black History Month comes to a close, it's imperative that we take this time to reflect on the significant contributions, struggles, and triumphs of Black individuals throughout history. This month provides us an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the rich tapestry of our collective culture and history. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and justice in our society and education system.
It's also a time to celebrate the achievements of minority leaders, pioneers, and activists who have paved the way for progress in all areas of society. From civil rights movements to advancements in science, art, literature, and technology, Black individuals have made invaluable contributions that have shaped our world. I feel immense joy and pride when I think of all those who have come before and their efforts to create a society where equity, freedom, and joy go hand in hand.
Black History Month also compels us to confront the realities of systemic racism and inequality that continue to persist today. It's a time to acknowledge the injustices that plague our society and a time to commit ourselves to change, fostering inclusivity and equity in our communities and the lives of our Black and Brown children.
CLI recognizes that equity is not just a buzzword but a core value that strengthens our organization and drives innovation. We must all actively work to create an environment where everyone, regardless of race or background, feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. Our schools play a critical role in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow, and we must provide children with experiences that represent our diverse world.
Let us recommit ourselves to building a more inclusive and equitable world. Let us honor the legacy of those who came before us by striving for progress and justice in all that we do. Together, we can make a difference.
Dr. Diana Greene
Chief Executive Officer
News & Updates
Thank You for Making CLI's Virtual 35th Anniversary Celebration a Success!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the incredible supporters and advocates who joined us for the virtual Breakfast Briefing on January 23rd. Your presence made this event truly special, and your ongoing support is invaluable as we continue our mission for more equitable education for children.
Read the full story >
News & Updates
Get Ready to Celebrate Read Across America Day with CLI!
Reading Across America (RAA) is coming to Philadelphia! Join us on March 2, 2024, at 11:00 AM for an unforgettable free read aloud event hosted by CLI at the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Parkway Central Library location (1901 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19103)! CLI is thrilled to partner with the Girl Scouts of America, the Free Library of Philadelphia, and Readby4th to bring this awesome Reading Across America event to the Philadelphia community.
This year, we're embracing RAA’s theme "Create and Celebrate a Nation of Diverse Readers," celebrating the rich diversity of literature that reflects our experiences and opens our minds to new perspectives. And you're invited to be part of this inclusive celebration!
We’ll be joined by special guest and librarian, Mychal Threets and feature a special reading of "Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13." This event is for children of all ages and promises to ignite the imaginations and passions of those who attend. Join us for a day filled with inspiration, empowerment, and the joy of reading!
Ways to Support
CLI's Initiative to Shape the Future of Education
The books we select for our classrooms and home libraries play a pivotal role in shaping children's understanding of themselves and the world around them. They convey messages about representation, cultural identity, and diversity, while also nurturing critical thinking skills and fostering a love for learning.
At CLI, we believe in the transformative power of literature to shape minds, empower educators, and inspire students. That's why we're excited to introduce our Beyond the Bookshelf campaign – an initiative dedicated to making a lasting impact on education through the power of literature.
CLI's book bundles for a better future go beyond the bookshelf. They are carefully curated collections that align with our commitment to providing Black and Latinx children with access to high-quality, anti-bias, identity-affirming literature. Our bundles span diverse themes, topics, and genres, catering to varied interests and learning needs, and are available in multiple languages.
Beyond the Bookshelf is more than just a campaign – it's a movement towards a brighter, more equitable future in education. We invite you to join us in making a difference, one book, one bundle at a time.
Visit cli.org/beyond-the-bookshelf to learn more >
Book Collections
Celebrating Black History Month!
This February and beyond, join us in honoring the rich legacy of Black history. Black history is American history, and by teaching the full truth, we gain a deeper understanding of our collective past and present.
Discover our curated Black History Month Booklist, featuring titles that celebrate diversity, accuracy in historical narratives, and the limitless potential of Black futures. These captivating stories educate and inspire readers of all ages, fostering empathy and appreciation for Black culture and heritage.
Explore the Booklist and embark on a journey of learning and celebration with CLI!
See the full collection here >
News & Updates
Translated –
CLI’s Digital Framework App Gets an Update
At CLI we are seeking to dismantle structural racism by providing Black and Latinx children with the anti-racist early literacy instruction, support, and advocacy needed to create equity in education. In an effort to live into our mission statement, we are creating more inclusive opportunities for our multilingual staff.
We currently support in immersion, dual language, and transitional bilingual classrooms and while we have many documents translated into Spanish, it felt important to offer the same option in our digital spaces. We worked with our partners at Pivotal to brainstorm a way to make this a reality.
Read the full story >>
Community Events
Run for Reading
We want to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported us thus far as we plan our annual CLI fundraiser. However, it is with heavy hearts that we must announce the cancellation of our upcoming Run for Reading 5K fundraiser. Despite our enthusiasm, unforeseen circumstances have led us to this difficult decision. Your unwavering support means the world to us, and we deeply appreciate your understanding during this time.
Rest assured, we are exploring alternative ways to continue our mission and bring our community together to not only raise funds for this important work, but to also have an opportunity to celebrate and honor all those who have been on this journey with us and who have provided us with their unwavering support. Thank you for being a part of our community.
Stories from our Community
Dr. Greene Shares Her Story at TEDx Jacksonville
This past fall, Dr. Diana Greene shared the stage with brilliant minds at TEDex Jacksonville to discuss her personal journey to Superintendentship and raise a call to action for more diversity at the highest levels of education administration. It was an experience that pushed boundaries, sparked new perspectives, and ignited meaningful conversations.
The TEDex Talk has been officially released on their YouTube channel and can be accessed via the link below. We are excited to share this talk with you, as it speaks to the need for diversity in our education system, both for the representation it provides for students, but also for the motivation it sparks in other educators of color to take up the mantle of leadership.
Learn more about Dr. Greene's TEDx Talk >
News & Updates
CLI’s 2023 Impact Report – Inspiring a Lifelong Love of Literacy
We are thrilled to share our Impact Report for fiscal year 2023. It is a true celebration of the past year and 35 years of CLI’s work to empower children, educators, and communities through literacy. This report highlights the remarkable progress we’ve made this year in our mission to instill a lifelong love of reading in Black and Latinx children.
This past year, CLI worked with teachers, school leaders, and district leaders to diagnose and strengthen early literacy instruction so that every child we served could experience mastery, success, and the freedom to shape their own future. We are equipping and empowering educators with skills that will endure, allowing CLI to touch the lives of every student they teach over the lifetime of their careers. This is an impact that is sustained long after CLI coaching and training are complete.
Our report is a testament to the incredible power of culturally sustaining early literacy instruction, support, and advocacy. We are excited to enter this next phase of impact at this critical time in education. We hope that this report will inspire you to join us in building a lasting legacy of literacy and empowerment for generations to come.
See the 2023 Impact Report >
Gratitude Gallery
We are grateful to you, our community of supporters who have chosen CLI for your charitable giving over the past year—whether as a first gift, annual contribution, monthly recurring donations, or major gift.
Some donors choose to be recognized anonymously. Contact us at give@cli.org if you prefer to be recognized anonymously.
Click here to see CLI's Gratitude Gallery. >>
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Children deserve the opportunity to achieve their dreams, and learning to read is a critical step in that journey. Help us provide Black and Latinx children the high-quality & culturally sustaining literacy instruction they deserve.
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