It takes a village to raise a child is a very well known African proverb and some people take heed and lead by example like NY Jets Defensive End Jarvis Jenkins who stopped by the International Hair Studio in Harlem to donate and unveil a brand new Barbershop Books reading space for kids and to also sit down and read them a story.
Jenkins is a successful American football defensive end for the New York Jets of the National Football League who played college football at Clemson University and was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft but, explained that as a child he struggled through school and that’s why he felt the need to donate a new reading space at the Harlem barbershop.
While at the barbershop, Jarvis read a children’s book to elementary school students from the Alaine L. Locke Magnet School which is also in Harlem. He read Captain Underpants to them. Good choice.
Afterwards, he was joined by the CEO of Barbershop Books, Alvin Irby, to discuss the importance of early reading among minority children, since they suffer from drastically poor literacy rates compared to white children.
It always makes me smile to see someone taking the time to share and care. This is something these kids will remember for a lifetime and the Barbershop Books at International Hair Studio will make a lasting impression on them too.
I’m already a Jets fan and now I’m doubly a Jarvis Jenkins fan wherever his helmet may lead him in his career.
If you’d like more information on Barbershop Books or would like to donate or even sponsor a reading space please visit BarbershopBooks.org
What do you think of the Barbershop Books Reading Space program?
