National Black Literacy Day

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Awareness
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every February 14
Holiday emoji:: 📚

National Black Literacy Day champions the power of reading and education every February 14. This crucial observance highlights the ongoing need for equitable access to literacy resources and celebrates the rich literary heritage of Black communities. Engage by supporting local literacy programs, volunteering your time, or donating to initiatives that foster a love for reading in all ages.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

Expected National Black Literacy Day Deals

For National Black Literacy Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to impactful fundraising and awareness campaigns. Organizations like ProLiteracy and the National Urban League often partner with corporate sponsors to amplify their efforts, offering donation matching programs and promoting volunteer opportunities. Local bookstores, such as Chicago’s Semicolon Bookstore, frequently run ‘Clear the Shelves’ campaigns, allowing patrons to purchase books for underserved communities. Educational publishers like Scholastic may highlight diverse authors and offer resources for educators. We encourage direct contributions to literacy programs, volunteering at community centers like the Y.M.C.A., or supporting initiatives that provide books to children. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns as February 14 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Black Literacy Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalBlackLiteracyDay. Share photos of your favorite books by Black authors or highlight local literacy events.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalBlackLiteracyDay. Join conversations about literacy access, share statistics, and retweet calls to action from advocacy groups.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalBlackLiteracyDay. Share stories of how literacy has impacted your life or promote local book drives and reading events.

National Black Literacy Day Hero

Anna Julia Cooper

Anna Julia Cooper (1858–1964) was a prominent African American scholar, educator, and activist who championed Black women's intellectual development and civil rights. Born into slavery, she earned a Ph.D. from the University of Paris-Sorbonne in 1925, becoming one of the first Black women to do so. Cooper's influential work, 'A Voice from the South by a Black Woman of the South,' published in 1892, advocated for education as a pathway to liberation and empowerment for Black women and the broader community.

History of National Black Literacy Day

The summer of 2019 saw the opening of Chicago’s first Black woman-owned bookstore. Semicolon has acted as a lively and active cultural hub, as well as a gallery space throughout its years. D.L. Mullen, the owner of the Semicolon, has been looking for new and innovative ways to give back to her community. She organized a campaign dubbed #ClearTheShelves, to foster a lifelong love of reading among Chicago schoolchildren through the distribution of free books at an event in May.

To recognize these efforts and to help readers in low-literacy neighborhoods, Mullen has advocated for a national holiday. She chose Valentine’s Day with consideration, hoping that people will share her sentiments. It also happens to coincide with the birthday of American abolitionist Frederick Douglass, and it is the focal point of Black History Month in many ways. She has gained the endorsement of Chicago Mayor Lightfoot, who made an official proclamation in her support.

Mullen had to gain clearance for the holiday to be listed before she could submit a request to the mayor’s office. Once the holiday was listed, Mullen could submit a request to the mayor’s office. While both the mayor and the governor can issue a proclamation, formal recognition as a holiday in Illinois would have to be obtained through legislative action.

National Black Literacy Day timeline

3500 B.C.

Written Communication

A limited percentage of people can read and write at the time of the first written communication.

23 B.C.

First Books

The first known books are found in Rome.

1920s

High Literacy in the United States

Literacy rates reach as high as 70% in some parts of the United States.

2019

Opening of Semicolon

Semicolon, the first female-owned black woman bookstore, opens in Chicago.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Black Literacy Day

Local businesses can honor National Black Literacy Day by actively supporting educational initiatives. Bookstores can host special readings by local Black authors or organize book drives for community centers. Restaurants might partner with literacy non-profits, donating a portion of sales on February 14 to support their programs. Any business can create a ‘staff picks’ display featuring books by Black authors, fostering discussion and promoting diverse voices within their workplace and customer base. Consider sponsoring a local school’s reading program or volunteering as a guest reader.

National Black Literacy Day FAQs

When is National Black Literacy Day?

In 2027, National Black Literacy Day is observed on a Sunday, February 14. This fixed annual date provides an important opportunity to engage with and support initiatives that foster reading and education.

What is the literacy rate in the Black community?

As of recent data, roughly 1 in 5 Black adults in the United States face challenges with basic literacy. This figure underscores the critical importance of National Black Literacy Day in advocating for equitable access to educational opportunities and resources.

How does literacy impact economic empowerment?

The link between literacy and economic well-being is profound. Individuals with higher literacy levels are significantly more likely to achieve financial independence, participate actively in the workforce, and contribute to broader economic growth within their communities.

Who founded National Black Literacy Day?

The Chicago Literacy Alliance launched National Black Literacy Day in 2022 to address the ongoing need for literacy advocacy and support within Black communities. This observance provides a platform to highlight the importance of reading and education.

National Black Literacy Day Activities

Read a book by a black author
You can celebrate National Black Literacy Day by reading a book by a black author. Fiction or nonfiction, take your pick and decide any genre you want by any black person who has authored a book in that category.
Support a black-owned bookstore
To an avid reader, a bookstore is not just a place to read books, it is a wonderful world that unlocks limitless creativity and possibilities. Look for a bookstore in your neighborhood and support a local business today.
Donate books
Book and resource donations to literacy-focused groups are encouraged. This way you can play your part to contribute to black literacy organizations.

5 Interesting Facts About Literacy

Life-changing
Literacy can have a profound impact on a person's life.
Third grade
A high school graduation rate of 89% is achieved by students who can read effectively by the third grade.
Revolutionary
Reading is a revolutionary act in communities of color.
Encourages a love of community
It encourages people to develop the love of community in the minds of readers through the use of literacy.
75%
75% of children will struggle to read for the rest of their lives if they haven’t caught up by the time they are nine.

Why We Love National Black Literacy Day

We understand financial literacy
Citizens with a higher level of education are better knowledgeable about financial investments and other economic fundamentals. Understanding concepts that appear more difficult when we don't grasp them is made easier by literacy.
It helps in alleviating poverty
Literacy is a powerful tool for alleviating poverty. An enormous disadvantage is having little knowledge of the fundamentals of reading and writing. Having the ability to read and write not only improves one's quality of life but also gives one the chance to learn new skills that will help them support themselves and their families.
It has an impact on society
Literacy has a positive effect on the growth of the entire society. Both males and females can contribute to the economy and community when literacy levels are improved.