Literacy is Freedom
Literacy is Freedom
Literacy empowers individuals to access knowledge, make informed decisions, and advocate for themselves, breaking the chains of ignorance and oppression, and enabling self-determination and meaningful participation in society.
Get Updates on the project
We’ll send monthly checkins to let you know how our process is going and how close we are to saving the world!
The project
Two Chicago-based booksellers and community builders have united with a pivotal goal: to elevate literacy rates across the nation. We've applied for the prestigious MacArthur Foundation 100 & Change grant, with plans to develop innovative programs designed to spark worldwide interest in reading and enhance comprehension skills.
Our Mission
Empowering Minds, Transforming Lives
Our mission is to bridge the global literacy gap by providing access to quality education, resources, and support. We strive to create a world where every individual, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic background, has the opportunity to read, learn, and thrive. Through innovative programs, community partnerships, and a commitment to inclusivity, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of reading and unlock the potential within every person, fostering a brighter, more equitable future for all.
The general gist
Marginalized learners face literacy challenges, both in educational settings and beyond. Factors such as insufficient educational support, poverty, and limited resources contribute to this inequality.
Our solution involves developing a platform that allows users to interact with reading using creativity. This tool can be used independently or in group settings, such as classrooms and community centers, addressing the issue of literacy access.
Users will be challenged to use what that they learn in the downloadable app to create literary art and make literacy engaging for their peers. The plan is to incorporate a fun pre-assessment that determines the level where the reader should begin to play the literacy game, and post assessments (a creation station) where the player can use the information they learned to grow to the next level. By integrating music, art, and storytelling, we aim to foster a love for literacy and creativity, encouraging users to see reading as exciting and enjoyable.
The platform will offer opportunities for users to share their creations with a community of peers, receiving feedback and encouragement. This social aspect is crucial, as it builds a supportive network that motivates continuous learning and growth.
Additionally, we will collaborate with educators, artists, and community leaders to ensure the content is culturally relevant and accessible. Workshops and training sessions will be provided for educators and caregivers, equipping them with the tools to effectively utilize the app and support the literacy journeys of all readers.
This is a 5-year trek where we will make use of the tools and relationships that our team has managed to foster in our years as educators, entrepreneurs, and community builders.
the Team
D’Annette Mullen
Dr. D’Annette Mullen earned her Ph.D. in Special Education, specializes in race, ethnicity, and culture, and has a minor in research and evaluation methodology. With a background in Special Education and experience as a tenured teacher in New York City, she has also served as a special education district liaison. Her career includes teaching, administration, promoting inclusive education, and contributing to teacher education programs through observation, participation, and mentorship and she is currently community liaison for Semicolon Books. Through community engagement and advocacy, she promotes equitable and inclusive education, inspiring necessary change in educational practices and policies.
Jurema Gorham
Jurema Gorham is the founder and executive director of Burst Into Books, a nonprofit dedicated to rebuilding its village through the arts, advocacy, and family and educational programs. Burst Into Books envisions a world that is transformed by cultural literacy. Jurema leads the organization's programs and initiatives that improve literacy skills. Jurema is passionate about cultivating spaces for black and brown children to gain access to resources that will enrich their lives.
Danielle Moore
Danielle Moore is the founder of Semicolon Books, a Chicago-based nonprofit bookseller known for its commitment to inclusion and community empowerment. With a passion for storytelling and social justice, Danielle created Semicolon Books as a cultural hub that amplifies underrepresented voices through a carefully curated selection of diverse literature. Under her leadership, the bookstore has become a thriving space for readers and writers, hosting events that foster a love of reading and connect the community. Danielle’s vision and dedication have made Semicolon Books a leader in the independent bookstore movement and a force for positive change in the literary world.
while we wait to create worldwide change, we are still implementing change in our community via #Cleartheshelves!
Our next event will be on april 26th, 2025 from noon to 2pm.
Since the shop’s inception in 2019, the Semicolon team has given over 50k books away to Chicagoland students with the intention of bridging the literacy gap in minoritized communities. Join us for our next celebration!