This week I am interviewing one of my many mentors, Partick Oliver. Patrick is what I call a literacy activist. He has spent decades developing, facilitating, and championing programs that promote literacy in public schools that serve intercity and rural youth. He's used his connections in the publishing world to expose young people to the possibilities that the ability to read and write can make a reality, and I can honestly say that if it weren't for one of his signature programs, Say It Loud! Youth Readers and Writers, I would not have overcome my shyness, my lack of confidence as a speaker and writer, or the effects of bullying on me from my middle school years.

Patrick continues to champion the cause of promoting literacy with the Anase's Journal project, a 5th-anniversary edition of his vision board book "On My Own," and an anthology of essays, poems, and other works by high school students titled "Our Voices, Our Stories, Our Visions." He's brought together an impressive group of time-tested, highly-educated, and skilled men and women to create the Speak Loudly Speakers Bureau, which has been developed to provide high-quality speakers and professional development in a variety of subjects that center on diversity. You can learn more about Patrick and his work at Speakloudly.com.

Also, I'm sharing information about a dynamic Instagram Page that promotes literacy! My friend and soror Izetta Thomas is the host of a Youtube program called Auntie Zettie's Read Aloud Time. Youth literacy is one of the major themes of this week's podcast, so I felt it only right to include promotion for this fun Friday activity. You can find more about the program on Instagram @auntiezettiereadaloudtime and on Youtube at Auntie Zettie's Read Aloud Time Youtube Page. It is fun for all ages!

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