The Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held its second EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities to Develop Independently) summer reading initiative “BLACK BOYS READ, TOO,” on August 4, at the Little Champions Academy, owned by Dr. Lloyd V. Hackley and daughter Dina Hackley Hunt.
Twenty-four boys, grades kindergarten through 5th grade accepted the challenge to read 15 books over 30 days in July. Each participant received $15.00 and a bag of school supplies. They were chosen from Virginia Allstars AAU basketball team (5th graders), The Renaissance Academy (elementary boys) and individuals from the community.
This program originated in an attempt to follow President Obama’s initiative in “My Brother’s keeper.” The goal was to capture and address the issues that have related to African American boys and to improve their educational achievement. It was stated that from grades first to third, children learn to read and from 4th grade up, children read to learn.
Dr. Lloyd Hackley, president of Hackley and Associates and a major supporter of EMBODI, shared thoughts of valuable and encouraging information. The guest speaker was Xavier Duckett, owner and founder of VII Photography, Humble Hustle and Dominion Services. Other program participants included Phazhon Nash and Ray Manns. Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Vice Mayor Anita Price, RCPS School Board Chairman, Mrs. Annette Lewis, and Greg Johnston, executive director of K-5 grades, were among those in attendance.
Jean Dixon and Gloria Polk Manns are the EMBODI coordinators. Monica Callaway is local chapter president.
