Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson joins Real Men Read at Dobbs Elementary School

More than two dozen male volunteers showed up for the students at Dobbs Elementary School before the semester break and spent a morning reading and connecting with students as part of the Real Men Read program.

“We set up this program to bring in men from different professions to come in to read to our students just to highlight that men are important and are needed to be in the room for our students to see that there are positive men, role models, who come out to read to them,” Dobbs Elementary School Media Specialist Dr. Tommy Tyson said.

Dobbs Elementary School welcomed men from Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi, Alpha Phi Alpha, educators, engineers, fathers, college students from the University of West Georgia and Fort Valley State University, and local volunteers to read a variety of children’s books to students.

Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson also joined the group of men and read “The Magician’s Hat” to Dr. Joanna Lowe-Sellers’ second-grade class.

“We’re excited about what Dobbs is doing, making sure that students are focused on literacy and also making sure that the community and specifically men are engaged in reading.”

The second-grade students enjoyed story time with the superintendent and raised their hands excitedly when he asked questions about the book. They were eager to share their thoughts and participate in the story. Dr. Johnson even got the chance to play a quick, competitive game of musical cups with a few students.

Real Men Read provides an opportunity for students to witness positive male role models in their community promoting a love for learning and reading.

“We’re extremely appreciative of all those that came out today,” Dr. Johnson said. “A day like this, when you get to see the community engaged, it’s a reminder that they’re at your back and at your side.”