Commissioner Arrington Screens ‘The Right to Read’

The film addresses the vital topic of literacy within the community

Fulton County District 5 Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington, Jr., is inviting youth to join him for a free screening and discussion of ‘The Right to Read’. A screening of the film will be held on Monday, December 18th from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Wolf Creek Library located at 3100 Enon Road, South Fulton, GA 30331.

The 2023 film executive produced by actor Levar Burton, shares the stories of reading activists, who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read. For Commissioner Arrington, the right to read is a vital discussion.

“The statistics surrounding the individuals below a basic level of reading speak for themselves,” said Commissioner Arrington. “According to the National Adult Literacy Survey more than 50% of the people in this country between the ages of 16 and 74 read at a level below that of the sixth grade. Additionally, 70% of all incarcerated adults cannot read at a fourth-grade level. Providing the necessary resources needed to improve literacy rates for everyone is an important topic that must be addressed.”

In addition to the screening of the film, Commissioner Arrington is also urging any youth with a passion for writing to join the 2023 Write 2 Rise Scholarship Competition. Participating youth are invited to submit a 1500-word essay addressing the topic “Why is reading the most important civil rights issue of our time?”

All essays must be submitted by Sunday, December 31, 2023. The winners of the competition will be announced at 3 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024. For contest rules and to register visit www.w2r.org.

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