Books 4 Buddies Ambassador Dorian M. reads Families are Different. Click the image below to view the video. Thanks Dorian!
Books 4 Buddies Ambassador reads The Berenstain Bears B Book
Ivan Dye reads you one of his favorite books from his childhood. Click the image below to view the video. Thanks Ivan!
Literacy in the Park 2020 lives on, online!
While we canceled Literacy in the Park 2020, that doesn't mean we can't share literacy experiences. We want to know: What are you reading at home while you practice social distancing? Share a short video booktalk about a book you are reading. Encourage your friends and family to share as well. And keep reading!!
Click this link in order to view book reading videos from people in our community!
Books 4 Buddies attends the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. proudly presented their annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast at The Pinnacle, in Maumee, Ohio on January 18, 2020.
Books 4 Buddies felt honored to sit at table 28 on this 28th anniversary of the MLK Scholarship Breakfast as the community gathered to celebrate the academic achievements of 6 young men from Northwest Ohio: Brandon Burks/Cardinal Stritch, Jabari Jackson/E.L. Bowsher, Christopher Lash/St. Johns Jesuit, Wakeso Petterson, Jr./Jesup W. Scott, and Dannie Young IV/Emmanuel Christian.
Bishop Rudolph McKissick, Jr. gave the keynote address with his Sunday cadence feeling right at home on a Saturday morning as he transformed The Pinnacle into the pulpit.
The Jacksonville, Florida pastor, who said 5 minutes after landing in snow covered Detroit “the Lord reminded me why I left Toledo in 1995”, warmed the hearts of those present as he spoke fondly of Dr. King and his enduring legacy.
The Bishop said there was a need to “clean the basin”, clean up the mess of former generations so young folks today aren’t burdened with that responsibility. We can clean the basin by voting, promoting education and securing affordable housing and healthcare for all, among other things. He said people of color can’t be satisfied “with just being in the room” where table talk takes place. He said we must demand a seat at the table “with the movers and shakers” so we can influence decision making and promote our own agenda. He also stressed the need to abandon the “crab mentality” of pulling one another down instead of supporting black owned businesses.
Bible references were sprinkled throughout the address as he spoke about the “King of Kings” and the resurrection of Lazarus. He also touched on politics and family engagement. Even hip-hop artist Drake was mentioned by the Bishop for his vison of seeing “the picture beyond the big picture.”
The Bishop made sure all left this breakfast well fed.
The B4B Ambassadors in attendance included Jaden Jefferson, Jalen Jefferson, Dorian Meyers, Kaden Robertson, Tyson Robinson, Ahmed Said/Tunisia, Bora Simsek/Turkey, Mamadou Sy/Senegal and Joshua Washighadi/Kenya.
Ohers seated at the B4B table were Tracee Ellis, Local Coordinator of American Cultural Exchange Service, retired B.G.S.U. professor Dr. John Scott and Christopher Smith, Lead MENtor with B4B.
Other dignitaries present were Kristian Brown, WTVG News Anchor, Wade Kapszukiewicz, Toledo Mayor, Dr. Willie McKether, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at The University of Toledo and Rhonda B. Sewell, Manager of External and Governmental Affairs at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library.
Special thanks to Brandon Tucker, Chapter President, Rev. John C. Jones, Vice President and Andre Page, Corresponding Secretary and Books 4 Buddies Board Member.
SUCCESS story validating being intentional and consistent.
Jamiel reluctantly showed up at the weekly Books4buddies creative writing (pilot program) early on Saturday mornings at Birmingham Terrace. He had little interest interest in reading and writing until he met Dr. John S. Scott., Emeritus chair at BGSU. Dr Scott said: I got this!"
In May, 2019, Jamiel, the 11 year old attended the Claire's Day program at the University of Toledo. He his teacher nominated him being the most improved reader.
Jamiel attended the program and was given a certificate as the most improved reader. Jamiel has improved his reading so much that now he's on the honor role. His mother believes the creative reading program sparked an interest and now he reads for joy.
University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross, School of Business, Community Consulting Club Working with Books4buddies
Reprinted from The Sojourner’s Truth
The University of Michigan Community Consulting Club (CCC) was established in 1999. It is designed to work with small nonprofits and, if selected, the students will focus on core programs (impact and outcomes).
The CCC students, who hail from a variety of local communities, as well as from far away as New York and Beijing, traveled from Ann Arbor recently to meet Books4Buddies board, including Executive Director Laneta Goings; Library officials; a Lucas County Sheriff’s representative and an American Cultural Exchange Services (ACES) administrator to discuss the global literacy program.
The UM/CCC, Stephen Ross Business School and Books4Buddies will collaborate during a 10-week program designed to develop strategic planning tools, said Marites Seitz, CCC team leader.
“Over the course of the last month, we have had the privilege of spending time with some key stakeholders in Books4buddies, including Laneta and see the passion and focus in which B4B operates, said Seitz. The organization is extremely mission driven and they know it does have an impact in the Toledo and global community and want to measure and deepen that impact. Everyone we’ve spoken with is very knowledgeable and the needs of the greater community, which is inspiring to see.”
The CCC students will be advising B4B on strategy and, just as importantly, helping “in measuring their impact, both internally and externally, so that they can leverage the information to achieve their other goals of growth and deepening the B4B community ties,” said Seitz.
After the 10-week engagement, which ends in December, CCC will present its strategic recommendations.
“We are very excited to be continuing this project this month and are looking forward to helping B4B understand the levels of their impact and use the information to achieve longer-term goals,” added Seitz.
Jordan Topoleski helps plan Books 4 Buddies future.
Jordan Topoleski, rising Harvard sophomore, presented a PPT to board members on proposed organizational change and growth over the short-to-medium terms. He is very passionate and met w/board members looking at ways to expand the program. Jordan is very familiar working w/CCC programs and willing to offer any input. During his 45 minute presentation he emphasized the importance of implementing a 3-5 year plan.
Books 4 Buddies Ghana Chapter Formed
After 2 years, Abduhl Rafiq Lartey, kept his word...never, ever giving up working with the HeadMaster/Headmistress. Hereby, creating Ghana Chapter of Books4Buddies. Read the text below of download a copy of the signed letter.
“The 2017 Books 4 Buddies Literacy Quiz Competition was held on 1st July 2017 in the Princess Diana Memorial School premises in Accra, Ghana. The purpose of the event was to encourage students to read wide and take their educations seriously. For this reason, the competition was spread over a variety of quiz questions from Mathematics, Science, English and French. The event was organized in such a way that students from Primary 6 to JHS3 were made to select the best students from their various classes to represent them. It was very interesting to watch some of the junior classes compete with senior classes and emerge victorious over them. This was very encouraging as it revealed the fact that such students would emerge great leaders in the near future.
The teachers of Princess Diana Memorial School were of immense help and were very supportive as they organized the students for the event, came up with the questions for the competition and also worked very hard to ensure a healthy and fair academic competition. The program was a great success due to the tireless efforts from the staff of the school and the well prepared students who studied very hard and kept the audience attentive due to their wonderful performance throughout the competition.
Lartey Abdul Rafiq on behalf of Mrs. Laneta Goings and the entire Books 4 Buddies organization would like to thank the Headmaster of Princess Diana Memorial School for not just hosting the event in his blessed school premises, but also for showing great interest in the event and taking time off his busy schedule to grace the event with his presence as well as encourage the Ghana Chapter of Books 4 Buddies strive harder in their efforts to give back to the infants and youth in the community.
It is worthy of mention that the Ghanaian Ambassador of Books 4 Buddies, Lartey Abdul Rafiqds a proud Alumnus of the Princess Diana Memorial School and has been humbly working under the guidance of Mrs. Laneta Goings, the founder of Books 4 Buddies o firmly establish a chapter of the organization in Ghana.
The event was very successful and the winners of the competitions receivedl Books 4 Buddies T Shirts, some books and other educational materials. Any student who however participated in the competition received educational materials from Books 4 Buddies. The Ghana chapter of Books 4 .Buddies looks forward to organizing even bigger events in the future.”
Abduhl Rafiq Lartey’s - Experiences as a Volunteer and Ambassador/timeline
2017 Abduhl Rafiq Lartey met the other Ambassadors; saw social media posts of them collecting books. Rafiq pledged to continue to have maximum respect for them due to their dedication to serving humanity. He said: ‘I am very happy to have been a part of this organization and look forward to being a contributing factor to its success. It is my intention to start a chapter of this organization in Ghana and I am hoping all goes well and that can be achieved. I am a proud representative of this organization and I believe that not only my shirt but my lifestyle, will reflect this organization every there I go’.
Abduhl, was a yearlong Scott High School ACES exchange student. He is a bright, intentional young servant leader. In a recent conversation, although extremely rare due to the lack of access to the internet, time difference and his education - Books4Buddies, he said taught him; LEADERSHIP, LITERACY AND LEGACY!
January 2017
Alpha Phi Alpha, MLK breakfast
February 2017
University of Toledo’s Black History Month celebration. He met Angela Davis
Monroe (MI) Rotarians - Black History month program
April 2017
Attended Books4Buddies Board meeting
May 2017
Meet/Greet Books4Buddies Ambassadors
June 2017
Returned home to Ghana
Document signed, including official school logo and scanned, time stamped - ‘It is worthy of mention that the Ghanaian Ambassador of Books4Buddies, Lartey Abduhl is a proud Alumnus of the Princess Diana Memorial School and has been humbly working under the guidance of Mrs. Laneta Goings the co-founder of Books4Buddies to FIRMLY ESTABLISH a chapter of the organization in Ghana.
Headmaster Signature and official seal - Princess Diana Memorial School - and Lartey Abduhl Rafiq, (Books4Buddies Ambassador, Ghana)
March 2018 - apologized for the difficulty using a phone in the school.
June 2018 - A Books4Buddies Literacy Quiz Competition, hosted by the Headmaster of Princess Diana Memorial School, was arranged to encourage students to read and take their education seriously. The competition was spread over a variety of quiz questions - math, science, English and French. Primary 6 to JHS3 selected the best students. The competition was steep and the junior classes emerged victorious over the seniors.
Teachers organized the event, camps up with questions and worked very hard to ensure a healthy and fair academic competition. It was not possible to focus on boys because the school system is different. However, Books4Buddies is still very young, so some females participate in the program and contests.
The goal going forward is involving other schools and a t least a regional competition every year. Hoping to fund via the government or other NGOs.
The winners received tee shirts, mechanicals pencils, wrist bands, etc. No additional competitions had been organized because there were no prizes to be used as incentives.
November 2018 - Rafiq was now in college in another region at Jamia Ahmadiyya International. His coursework included Theological science, mastering and becoming fluent in Urdu, Arabic in addition to his native languages. He had very limited contact although he’d hoped to stay in touch monthly. The school forbids/limits phone usage and/or internet.
March 2019 - Although the letter had been written it had not been signed and had to be delivered in person to the Headmaster for his signature.
August 4, 2019 - Rafiq sent a message that he’d not forgotten and spoke to school officials the previous day. He needed the Books4Buddies logo (he already had the ACES logo) that would appear on the letterhead prior to getting the Headmaster’s signature. It would then be sent via Google docs.
After numerous delays, riding down bumpy roads, observing time required for prayer, appointments that had to be rescheduled, attending college in another region, receiving the Books4Buddies logo....finally....
Tuesday, October 1, 2019 (8:31 a.m., EDT) - permission granted to go to the school, spoke to the headmaster and headmistress in person. The Official Books4Buddies logo and ACES logo added to the letterhead.
They did not only agree to sign but they also suggested to add their school stamp to make it more official. Abduhl signed it too. It was then scanned and transmitted.
Carter Reads the Newspaper - dedicated to Books4buddies
A small group met Don Tate, illustrator/author in 2017 at BGSU's annual Literacy in the Park sponsored by the Conda family. He was so impressed with the group of young men/Ambassadors, he dedicated 'Carter Reads The Newspaper' (published February 2019) to Books4Buddies.
Surprised beyond belief, I asked him why, how did he come to the decision to dedicate such a wonderful book. He said:
“Honestly, the thing that most impressed me about our meeting that day was 1) You. Your love for those boys really impressed upon me. Your giving back to your community by uplifting young men, who then uplift younger men--through the gift of reading. What a treasure you are. 2) I was impressed with the young men. So often, I meet our young black men and they have no confidence. They lower their heads and do not look me in the eye when speaking. Oftentimes, they can be a bit aloof even, which may be more worrying about what others around them will think. But the young men at Books4Buddies were enthusiastic when greeting me that morning. I didn't feel like they were forced to be there, they were genuine. They smiled when they met me, shook my hand confidently. Then each shared with me some of their goals and their artwork. Obvious readers themselves, they were articulate in the way they expressed themselves. They are our future leaders, and I was proud of them--and you. I hoped my little dedication would show my gratitude.”
Books 4 Buddies participates in the Sickle Cell 5K Race/Walk
The many faces of Books 4 Buddies
We thought it would be fun to look back on all the Books 4 Buddies Ambassadors that we’ve had the privilege to work with over the years. We could not have accomplished all we have without their help, and the support of the community. Thank you all.
Jaden Jefferson interviews Books 4 Buddies Founder/President, Laneta Goings
Books 4 Buddies Host Back to School Block Parties
Reprinted from the Sojourner’s Truth
On Wednesday, July 31, Books 4 Buddies, hosted its second Back to School Block Party for LMHA families at Weiler Homes and treated residents to free books, school supplies and lunch. The first of the LMHA block parties was held on July 17 at Birmingham Terrace.
Residents were also able to register their children for the Toledo Public Schools Head Start program, for kindergarten and obtain vision screenings. As usual, school officials, such as Superintendent Romules Durant, EdD, was on hand to greet residents and prospective students.
This year’s block parties were co-sponsored by Buckeye Broadband, Hart, The Blade, Apex Micrographics, Franklin Park Mall, LMHA, Lucas County Sheriff, Taylor Auto and the Toledo Lucas County Public Library.
Abdul Rafiq Lartey - Accra Ghana
Ambassador Abdul Rafiq Lartey helps spread Books 4 Buddies’ message of literacy to Accra, Ghana. Thanks Rafiq for all you do!
Books 4 Buddies Host Back to School Block Parties
Reprinted from the Sojourner’s Truth
On Wednesday, July 31, Books 4 Buddies, hosted its second Back to School Block Party for LMHA families at Weiler Homes and treated residents to free…
Read the full article here: http://www.thetruthtoledo.com/pdf/2019/081419pdf.pdf
Books 4 Buddies interviewed by the Perrysburg Digital Media Club
Books 4 Buddies Hosts Back to School Block Party
Reprinted from The Toledo Journal
Rosalyn Koontz enjoying the Block Party with her granddaughters. From left to right: Tyana Koontz, Vivianna Koontz, Rosalyn Koontz, and Adriana Koontz.
A volunteer serves lunch during the Back to
School Block Party.
Books 4 Buddies [B4B] with special participation by the Toledo Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. hosted a Back to School Block Party on July 17 in the Birmingham Terrace LMHA community.
The Back to School Block Party provided families with free school supplies, vision screening, and a cookout lunch as well as arts, crafts, and face painting. Community partner Toledo Public Schools was also on hand to offer kindergarten and Head Start registration to attendees.
Smiles all around for these girls after getting their school supplies and books.
As a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting literacy and reading, Books 4 Buddies collects new and gently used books for disadvantaged youth. The brainchild of Toledo native, Touré McCord II, B4B has several media/community partnerships and receives support in the form of new and “gently used” donations from local businesses, bookstores, and the general public.
Bob Mendenhall, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction in Toledo Public Schools and B4B Board Member said that the event was in line with the school district’s commitment to literacy.
We’ve been doing these community events for the last 5 or 6 years. We go to various LMHA sites along with community partners to bring awareness to their programs as well as bring awareness to what we do in Toledo Public regarding early childhood, Head Start registration, kindergarten registration and information about the district,” Mr. Mendenhall said. “The main piece of this is that we promote literacy. At the end of last school year, we had our Chromebook giveaway to promote literacy and to help combat summer slide. And this is another program that we do in which we giveaway gently used books to help families build their own libraries in the home.
Books 4 Buddies Board Members and Book Ambassadors. Back row from left to right: Bob Mendenhall and Richard Jackson. Front row from left to right: Christopher Smith, Dorian Myers, Laneta Goings, John Dolsey, and Justin Teamer.
Along with all the other activities, the B4B Book Ambassadors dressed in bright orange shirts read children’s books to the Block Party’s youngest attendees. As the program’s public face, Book Ambassadors act as reading role models to the community and are all high school age young men from across Northwest Ohio.
When asked why he wanted to be involved with B4B, Book Ambassador John Dolsey said a friend recommended the program and guaranteed a positive experience.
Books 4 Buddies Founder and President Laneta Goings, left, speaks with Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. Alpha Xi Lambda Chapter Vice President John C. Jones, right.
“He said this is something I would love to do, and he was right. I love it,” Mr. Dolsey said. “[B4B] resonates with me. I’m actually dyslexic so I love reading to kids. I love seeing the impact it has on kids, and I love giving away books.”
The next Books for Buddies Back to School Block Party will be held at the Weiler Homes on July 31 from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. All LMHA families are invited to join Books 4 Buddies for free books, school supplies, and lunch.
The "Ham"
Reprint permission granted by The Blade.
Birmingham Terrace, in East Toledo, was the place to be Wednesday as Books 4 Buddies held a Back to School Block Party that had everyone feeling nothing but good vibes.
The eats, treats and beats, made baking under the hot July sun seem like a cool idea.
Books 4 Buddies doesn't move without its Book Ambassadors. Three Ambassadors were on hand to pass out string bags/school supplies, help children select books to read and register them for the raffle giveaway. Those present were Jon Dolsey, Dorian Meyers and Justin Teamer.
Toledo Public Schools was well represented with employees doing everything from face painting to flipping burgers. Robert Mendenhall, Curriculum Director for the district, was the grill master extraordinaire and DJ Chad filled the air with oldies but goodies making sure the block party lived up to its name.
Toledo Museum of Art shared information on their Books for Babies program and future exhibits.
Councilman Tyrone Riley generously donated a BMX style bike which was raffled off to the delight of one young man.
Future journalists, Joshua Danforth, covered the event for the Perrysburg Digital Media Club, intervening the Ambassadors and others with the aid of cameraman/mom, Yong.
Contributions from The Blade, The Toledo Lucas County Public Library and LMHA were also instrumental in making this event a success.
But by far the highlight of this block party was the time devoted to reading to the children. Gathered around a circular table, in the center of the grassy area, the interactive nature of the readers pulled the children into the stories. Their faces and enthusiastic responses indicated the experience was not one sided. The Ambassadors got things rolling with a Scooby-Doo book and then the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha, led by John Jones, took the activity to another level, making it a joy to witness. It was so motivating that one 9-year-old youngster asked if he could read, showcasing skills worthy of an Ambassador in waiting.
Back to school never felt so good!! Before leaving, the kids quickly gathered around the table to pick up lots of books and to get a Books4Buddies string bags filled with school supplies.
Other Books 4 Buddies team members on hand included Co-Founder/President, Laneta Goings, Lead MENtor, Christopher Smith and fellow board members Peter Hildebrandt, Robert Mendenhall, and Richard Jackson. Thank you also to Dr. Tim Murnen/BGSU for his continued insight and support.