Black Literacy Matters Conference

In a new episode of Literacy Now Together, Clarice Jackson - author of the 2014 NAACP National Dyslexia Resolution - joins Kareem Weaver of Fulcrum and Brett Tingley of Parents for Reading Justice for a candid conversation about Black literacy, dyslexia, parent power, and why adult organizations must move beyond factions.

Jackson’s story began when, at 19, she became legal guardian of a young girl with severe dyslexia who could not read simple words. That experience led her to special education law, structured literacy, Voice Advocacy Center, Black Literacy Matters, and eventually to a national civil-rights resolution on dyslexia.

The episode calls on NAACP branches, Decoding Dyslexia chapters, educators, and community advocates to work together on evidence-based reading instruction, teacher training, family support, and implementation. As Weaver says in the conversation: "It is hard to work for all kids when all adults cannot get along."

Listen, share with a parent or educator, and use it as a conversation starter about what Black families deserve from the literacy movement.

One Parent Changed National Policy In this compelling episode of Literacy Now Together, Brett Tingley ...

Black Literacy Matters…….When a child can’t read

Episode 3 – Black Literacy Matters: When a Child Can’t Read Dr. Tracy White sits down with nationally recognized literacy advocate and dyslexia consultant Clarice Jackson for a deeply personal conversation about purpo...

A new report from the Fordham Institute finds that nearly 1 in 3 teachers uses “discredited” methods to teach literacy and aren’t fully committed to the science of reading. Researchers also said educators' belief in the science of reading is lower in low-income schools than in wealthier ones. With an emphasis on phonics, and bringing more nonfiction texts into the classroom, the science of reading will hopefully equalize the playing field for all kids, researchers argued. Jessika Harkay has the story.

Report: Nearly One-Third of Teachers Still Use ‘Discredited’ Reading Methods About 30% of K-3 reading teachers use a 'balanced approach,' including asking kids to figure out words through context clues – a practice banned in some states.

🚨 OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

It is with deep gratitude and clear conviction that I announce the publication of my scholarly work in The Midwest Quarterly: A Journal of Contemporary Thought, published by Pittsburg State University.

This work appears in the Spring 2026 Edition (Volume 67, No. 3), a special issue titled:
“Dyslexia and Reading Failure”
Guest Editor: David P. Hurford

I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Hurford for the opportunity to contribute my analytical work to this important issue.

My articles:
“Literacy as Exodus: The Reconstruction Literacy Paradox and the Collapse of Educational Will”
“Why Black Literacy Still Matters: History, Evidence, and the Case for Targeted Literacy Action”
are now officially part of the academic record.

What began as advocacy, what was carried through lived experience, and what has been built through years of work in literacy and dyslexia advocacy has now been formalized into theory.

This work represents my contribution as a literacy theorist and framework builder.
While elements of this history have been studied, this work formally defines the Reconstruction Literacy Paradox as an analytical framework that reframes the conversation and centers institutional accountability.

It raises a question that cannot be ignored:
How did a population emerging from enslavement with almost no access to formal education achieve rapid literacy gains, while modern systems with far greater resources continue to produce failure?

That question is now on record.
This publication represents a strategic shift. It establishes an intellectual and academic foundation for the next phase of this work.

Through Black Literacy Matters®, this work extends beyond conferences and programs into the development of policy, practice, and accountability frameworks that will shape how literacy is understood and addressed at a national and global level.

From this point forward, the work moves with clarity, structure, and documented authority.

If you would like to order a copy of this issue of The Midwest Quarterly, you can do so here:
https://www.pittstate.edu/info/midwestq/index.html

Clarice L. Jackson

Intersections animate the life of Omaha native Clarice Jackson, a warrior in the fight to raise awareness about a leading cause of illiteracy – dyslexia. Inspired by her late father, Alonzo “Lonnie” Littlejohn, a career Omaha Public Schools teacher, she grew up wanting to be an educator.

By Leo Adam B**a

Dyslexia Advocacy, Borne of Love and Tragedy, Drives Clarice Jackson — NOISE October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month, but for Omaha native Clarice Jackson, advocating for individuals with this learning disability is year-round commitment. As NOISEmaker Leo Adam B**a’s new profile details, Jackson came to be an advocate and expert after a long journey finding help for ...