Bolton Academy Celebrates National Day of Reading with Special Visit from Members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Students at Bolton Academy celebrated National Day of Reading, thanks to a special visit and book donations from members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

Held on Friday, Jan. 24, in partnership with Room to Read, the National Day of Reading program is designed to support and encourage early readers to become lifelong learners. The Atlanta Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi partnered with Room to Read to donate 80 books and spend the morning reading to students.

In addition to easy readers and chapter books, students also received books about historical figures that included Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ruby Bridges, and the brilliant African American women mathematicians – better known as “hidden figures” – who served as the brains behind the launch of astronaut John Glenn into space.

During their visit, 10 members of Kappa Alpha Psi volunteered their time and read to 433 students, reaching 28 classrooms throughout the school. 

Brian Rock, school bookkeeper, said the school is thankful to Kappa Alpha Psi for visiting and donating books.   

“Watching students’ reactions and the connection they made to the books and to positive Black men sitting in the classrooms reading to them are things that are going to stick with them,” Rock said. “They’re going to remember this day for a long time.”    

Principal Shavaun Mincey agreed, sharing that she was excited for her school to receive the book donation.

“I love that we had the opportunity to work with one of the ‘Divine Nine’ (the group of nine historically Black fraternities and sororities), and for Kappa Alpha Psi to visit and be role models for our children,” Mincey said. “It’s great for our students to see a partnership between school and the community and for them to see Black men doing wonderful things in supporting literacy for all children and representing diversity.”

According to Anthony Campbell, event coordinator and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi, the fraternity organized the initiative with the participation of 44 dedicated members. Among them, 34 members purchased books, which were donated to Bolton Academy to support literacy and inspire a love for reading.

Campbell said the collaborative effort highlights the fraternity’s commitment to educational empowerment and making a meaningful impact on the community. The members chose Bolton Academy because of its commitment to academic excellence and its diverse student population, which aligns closely with Kappa Alpha Psi’s mission of fostering achievement and creating opportunities for underserved communities.

“By selecting Bolton Academy, we aim to support literacy and inspire young minds, ensuring that our efforts would leave a meaningful and lasting impact on both the students and the school community,” Campbell said. “This aligns with our core values of service, education, and community uplift. We aimed to promote literacy, inspire a love of learning, and positively impact the lives of young students. 

“Reading is foundational to academic achievement and personal growth, and as members of Kappa Alpha Psi, we are committed to being role models and advocates for educational success,” he continued. “Our involvement underscores the fraternity’s dedication to making a difference in the lives of future generations.”  

Kappa Alpha Psi member Brent Bailey, who serves as the Coordinator of Supplier Diversity in the APS Office of Equity + Social Justice, said he enjoyed participating in the event.  

“It was extremely rewarding to have an opportunity to read to a diverse group of students on the National Day of Reading,” Bailey said. “The young scholars were very welcoming.” 

National Day of Reading is celebrated annually on Jan. 23 to highlight the importance of reading, especially for children. The day builds momentum for reading habits that can shape the rest of the year and encourages reading as a way to develop imagination, creativity, and literacy skills.