Pittsburgh, PA – Today, Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin visited Pittsburgh Lincoln PreK-5 to read a book to 1st grade students as part of the school district’s Black Men Read initiative.
“Reading opens up a whole world of possibilities. It allows us to learn new things and to envision ourselves as the characters and heroes of our favorite stories,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “I’m proud to show these fine young learners how important reading and literacy are, and that anything is possible if you study hard and explore every opportunity to learn and grow.”
Black Men Read invites Black male leaders into the classroom to bring words to life for the Pittsburgh Public Schools’ youngest readers. As part of Black Men Read, leaders from across the city read to students in grades K-2. Held at schools across the district, Black Men Read events aim to encourage a love of reading and promote literacy for students while also countering negative narratives related to Black men.
“We are thrilled that Dr. Khalid N. Mumin will join us as we continue to expand our Black Men Read efforts throughout the school year,” said Superintendent Wayne N. Walters, EdD. “I truly believe what they see is what they will be. Initiatives such as Black Men Read, not only spread the love of reading, but they also expose students to where that love can take them as they grow and learn.”
The 2023-24 budget includes a $567 million increase in basic education funding (BEF) for Pennsylvania school districts to be distributed through the BEF Formula – the largest single-year increase in basic education funding in Pennsylvania history.
The Pittsburgh Public School District is the largest school district in Allegheny County and the second largest in Pennsylvania. The district provides students in PreK through grade 12 a variety of options to help them succeed in school and prepare them for college, career, and life. Pittsburgh Lincoln is an elementary STEAM school where students have the opportunity to engage in learning through science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Taj Magruder, tmagruder@pa.gov
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