Harmel Deanne Codi recently launched the first eleven titles of her highly anticipated children’s book series to promote early literacy in her community. With colorful illustrations and relatable storylines, these books were written with all children in mind, but most particularly children of color who tend to be underrepresented in similar books. The series has already received accolades from educators, parents and is a fundraising opportunity and part of her non-profit annual book drive in coordination with DeKalb County Schools regions 5, 6, and 7 benefitting those students. The passionate community advocate has gotten the commendation of many stakeholders and other community leaders, a motivation boost to continue in her pursuit to leveling the playing field in the area of early education for children of color and other causes that she currently championed.

Codi said that her inspiration didn’t come from the need to challenge the status quo but to spread the awareness that educational neglect is a worthwhile issue that can only be solved with goodwill and intentional planning to meet those challenges. I have witnessed what has led children in the penal, and early preventive educational measures can truly mitigate this notion.

Michael A. Fletcher from the Washington Post could not have said it better: “What does it mean to be a black man? Imagine three African American boys, kindergarteners, who are largely alike in intelligence, talent, and character, whose potential seems limitless. According to a wealth of statistics and academic studies, in just over a decade, one of the boys is likely to be locked up or headed to prison. The second boy—if he hasn’t already dropped out—will seriously weigh leaving high school and be pointed toward an uncertain future. The third boy will be speeding toward success by most measures,” she said.

Ms. Codi launched the first part of the book series as an introduction to encourage parents, family, and extended family members to read to the kids in their lives. She has been exploring many platforms to ensure that students of color, especially in community schools, are afforded similar opportunities as their other counterparts. The new book launch, as well as her book drive, are some of the initiatives that she has advocated for over a decade years to promote early education and reading for underserved children.

“It is so wonderful when you see someone puts so much effort in helping her community.  This is really refreshing because the kids are at being homeschooled and need all the help they can get,” said Elise Wilder, one of the neighborhood parents who just learned about the book drive.

Two of the delightful books, titled “Mommy Teach Me How to Count” and “Daddy Teach Me How to Ride My Bike,” which are also available in Spanish, have already caught the attention of parents and educators are available on her website, Amazon.com and anywhere books are sold.

She urged the community and book donors to donate to the book drive with an ambitious goal of collecting 75000 books or more. For more information about the book series and other programs of Community Alliances And Improvements, please visit – http://www.communityalliances.net/contact/

Media Contact
Company Name: Community Alliances and Improvements, Inc.
Contact Person: Mel Codi
Email: Send Email
Phone: 305-985-7725
Address:P. O. Box 360716
City: Decatur
State: Georgia 30034
Country: United States
Website: http://www.communityalliances.net