Press Releases

Black Men Read Day at Camden Elementary School

Black Men Read Day at Camden Elementary School

My Very Own LibraryMy Very Own Library (MVOL) kicked off its Black Men Read Day at Camden Elementary School on October 20, 2022. Principal Samuel Garrison of Camden Street Elementary School was joined by Newark Public School's Superintendent Roger León, Deputy Superintendent Nicole T. Johnson, Board member Hasani Council, Mayor Ras J. Baraka of Newark, Duane Davis, National Director of MVOL, University of Chicago, and other honorable guests to join men from the community to read to elementary school students.

Students at Camden Street School, Michelle Obama Elementary School, Hawkins Street School, Quitman Street School, and Ridge Street School were treated to a day of reading as part of this national program, conducted in conjunction with Scholastic Book Fairs, a division of Scholastic, the world's largest publisher, and distributor of children's books.

My Very Own Library is an initiative Anne Feeley began in Newark to provide free books to children in traditional Newark Public Schools. The program started in six schools and is now in every Newark Board of Education elementary school. Twice during the school year, children receive five free books through a Scholastic book fair. Schools can also access in-person and virtual author visits and receive grants for family literacy events.

"My Very Own Library has long been a staunch supporter of the Newark Public Schools, as evidenced by their commitment to providing ten free books to every student in participating schools over the years," said Superintendent Roger León. "And the opportunity to be read to by Black male leaders will help them expand their vocabulary and develop essential communication and social skills that are key to being successful in life."

United Way of Greater Newark’s My Very Own Library Declares October 20 as Black Men Read Day throughout the City of Newark

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October 18, 2022, Newark, NJ—United Way of Greater Newark’s My Very Own Library (MVOL) will kick off Black Men Read Day at Camden Elementary School located at 281 Camden Street in Newark at 9:00 am. On this day, Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Superintendent Roger Leon, Duane Davis, National Director of My Very Own Library, University of Chicago, Newark Municipal Council Members Dupre Kelly, Patrick Council, and local author Robert Constant will join men from the community to read to elementary school children.

Black Men Read will be celebrated in six MVOL locations around the country and the Dominican Republic and is a day to encourage men, especially Black men to read to children in the community. Reading can take place at home, during bedtime, or even at the local public library.

“My Very Own Library has long been a staunch supporter of the Newark Public Schools, as evidenced by their commitment to providing 10 free books to every student in participating schools over the years,” said Superintendent Roger León. “And the opportunity to be read to by Black male leaders will help them expand their vocabulary and develop essential communication and social skills that are key to being successful in life.”

Camden Elementary School is one of Newark Board of Education’s MVOL schools under the leadership of Samuel Garrison. “It was important to launch this initiative at a school led by an African American male principal. We are excited to this school as part of our program and initiatives like this not only encourage reading but they help dispel myths and stereotypes about Black men,” said Karen Leach-Toomer, Director of MVOL Newark.

My Very Own Library is an initiative that began in Newark by Anne Feeley and then mayor Cory Booker and aims to provide free books to children in traditional Newark Public Schools. The program began in six schools and is now in every Newark Board of Education elementary school. Twice during the school year, children receive 5 free books through a Scholastic book fair.  Schools also have access to both in person and virtual author visits and receive grants for family literacy events.

Camden Street School Celebrates 5th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service with Health and Wellness

Camden St. MLK Day of Giving
[Newark, NJ – January 17, 2017] Camden Street School and HOPE worldwide hosted the 5th annual Day of Service with a Health and Wellness Fair in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. More than 300 community members attended and participated in a variety of community service-related activities such as donating blood, a read-a-thon and book giveaway, and beautifying the community through mural paintings.

“The Camden Street School Day of Service has brought parents, students and individuals together for the last five years to honor Dr. King’s vision to create equal opportunities for everyone and build a stronger community,” said Superintendent Christopher D. Cerf of Newark Public Schools. “Participating in a day of service and offering important health and wellness services to our community members is a great way to honor Dr. King’s legacy, and I am so proud of the Camden Street School community for their efforts.”

Camden Street School also unveiled their brand new STEAM and Camden Care rooms in a special ribbon cutting ceremony. Jill Draper, president of Market Smith, presented Camden Street School with a check for $20,000 to support the school’s new STEAM and Camden Care rooms, which promote student wellness and science, technology, engineering, arts and math education.

“Camden Street School saw an excellent turnout at this year’s Day of Service and Health and Wellness Fair,” said Sam Garrison, Principal of Camden Street School. “Our students and families had a great day volunteering, learning about health and wellness and most importantly, answering Dr. King’s call to serve one another. I want to thank everyone who came together to make the 5th annual Day of Service a success. I especially want to thank HOPE worldwide for their generosity as well as over 80 volunteers who included: doctors, dentists, nurses, educators, engineers, computer specialists, college students, high school students and young Hope Scouts.”

Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed student performances, face painting, and arts and crafts activities. In addition to Newark Public Schools, the following organizations partnered to support the Health and Wellness Fair: HOPE worldwide, Marketsmith, Newark Police Department, Newark Fire Department, Rutgers University, Rutgers Medical School, Rutgers Dental School, Microsoft, BAEO, Walgreens, University Hospital, ShopRite, New Jersey Blood Services and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield.