Haverhill Promise Plans Showing of ‘Right to Read’ with Vargas, Marotta, Fuller on Panel Discussion
Haverhill Promise, the city's grade level reading campaign, is excited to present the film The Right to Read on November 13th at 6:00PM at HC Media at Harbor Place. This eye-opening 2023 documentary by Jenny Mackenzie and executive produced by “Reading Rainbow” host LeVar Burton addresses the literacy crisis across the nation. Come learn more through this passionate film and enjoy free snacks and refreshments.
Nationally, and in Haverhill, we are seeing students continue to struggle with reading. Research reveals alarming statistics: a significant percentage of children in our community struggle with basic reading proficiency, while an even larger percentage fall below grade level. These challenges disproportionately affect children from low-income families, further exacerbating the problem.
The Right to Read depicts the compelling story of an activist, a teacher, and two American families who are tirelessly fighting to ensure our youngest generation receives the essential foundation for lifelong success: the ability to read. It unravels the dire consequences children face when they lack this crucial skill, including increased risks of incarceration, homelessness, and unemployment.
Educator and literacy advocate Kareem Weaver works to correct this problem with the documentary film “The Right to Read.” Haverhill Promise, the local campaign for grade level reading, is showing the film on Monday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m., at HC Media, Harbor Place, 2 Merrimack St., Haverhill.
Following the film, a panel discussion on literacy in Haverhill takes place with Rep. Andy X. Vargas, Haverhill Public Schools Superintendent Margaret Marotta and YMCA Executive Director Tracy Fuller.