African American Fathers, Mentors, and Sons: Strengthening Their Lives Through Literacy

• In Event: Mobilizing Literacy While Living in the Margins: Writing, Talking, and Reading the World

Abstract

The success of every individual (from cradle-to-career) relies heavily on the acquisition and full mastery of literacy (reading and writing skills) needed for a positive life trajectory that in turn, narrows the most crucial gap – the life outcome gap. Improving the education of African American male students in general, and their literacy skills, in particular, is not limited to the classroom. This paper discusses the design of an anti-deficit, achievement-oriented study that documented the everyday literacy experiences of African-American boys, their fathers, and mentors both in and outside of school.

Authors

• Brian L. Wright, The University of Memphis

• Donna Y. Ford, The Ohio State University

• Felicity A. Crawford, Boston University