ABC READ was started because I sought out to address the issue ofvhigh levels of illiteracy in the Black community in ways that would represent our experience and culture. Research has always been shown that one of the reasons Black children would show a disinterest in reading would be due to the lack of representation in their book choices especially in schools. Another issue that contributed to low levels of literacy is not enough books in the homes and adults weren’t reading around the children as often as they should. Finally there was a lack of engaging and enriching activities that promoted literacy and healthy food options.
Our Team
Sasha (Say-sha) Beckette-Abdullah
Founder/Executive director of ABC Read
Hi I’m Sasha(Say-sha) Beckette-Abdullah and I’m the Founder/Executive director of ABC Read. My role is to work with the board of directors in making sure the reading programs, book distribution and resources we provide are being taken care of efficiently and consistently. I also lead the board in connecting with people, organizations and businesses that align with and support our mission and vision.
Mary Lee Abdullah
Board Treasurer
My role as treasurer is to have financial oversight of ABC Read’s finances. ABC Read is important for the community because the books and reading programs we are providing is not only going to be beneficial now it’s going to create a lifetime of success.
Destiny Harris
Administrator to ABC READ
Destiny Harris brings several years of experience in program administration to ABC READ. She has a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration. Destiny has worked with the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, United Way, Girl Scouts, and Cuyahoga County. Currently, she is the owner of Lovely Home, an interior decorating company. She is passionate about helping ABC READ accomplish their mission to develop and nurture the love for reading in every family they touch.
Our Team
Since 2014 ABC READ has consistently provided all of the things mentioned above in such a way that keeps the community supporting our efforts and always asking, “when is the next reading event?”
Sasha Beckette-Abdullah Founder/executive director
When I saw that the expensive reading program that our son was enrolled in over 11 years ago, was not only led by a not so engaged
instructor and it was not culturally reflective of majority of the children who were participating, I knew I had to do more than just complain. I already knew some of the research on low levels of literacy in the Black community and I had a love for reading books aloud to children so, that’s when I decided to come up with a reading program that would benefit the whole community that was in need the most which is our Black and underserved population.