Pictured: Dr. Bailey (2nd from left) along with Vernell McDowell, Dan Gray, and Dorothy Floyd – North Strand Dems who are volunteers in the Freedom Readers program.
Dr. Tracy Bailey, founder of the Freedom Readers literacy program for South Carolina children, was the guest speaker at the May 30 meeting of North Strand Democrats.
Freedom Readers is a non-profit launched by Dr. Bailey in 2010. It is designed to help students improve reading skills, public speaking, and boost their confidence. Tutors read one on one with each child at 20 sites in Horry and Georgetown counties.
Through their Books in Barbershops and Community Program, they place books in barbershops and doctor’s offices so children can read a book while they wait to be served. They are also free to take the book with them when they leave.
Dr. Bailey said Freedom Readers will have summer programs in the North Strand area at the Atlantic Beach Community Center.
HCDP recently published an article about Freedom Readers that can be accessed here.
To become a volunteer, log on to the Freedom Readers website and fill out the application.
