11/11/2025
Building a Community of Readers initiative is a new Phi Kappa Phi–funded project uniting families and schools across the Tuscaloosa City School System to strengthen literacy and inspire a lifelong love of reading.
The program provides curated book boxes with diverse, age-appropriate books and guided reading activities, encouraging families to read together at home. Eight schools—including The Alberta School of Performing Arts, Arcadia, Central, Martin Luther King Jr., Oakdale, Skyland, Tuscaloosa Magnet Elementary, and University Place Elementary—will benefit.
Developed by Dr. Stacy L. Jones of The University of Alabama and Kat Baxter of Paul W. Bryant High School, the project also involves the Black Student Union Executive Board and Mr. and Mrs. BSU, who helped assemble and deliver materials. Dr. Jones emphasized that the initiative builds stronger connections between families, schools, and the community.
Funding from Phi Kappa Phi supports culturally responsive books, art, and reusable materials that promote interactive reading and sustainable literacy engagement—advancing the Society’s mission to celebrate and strengthen the love of learning.
