Pistons, Brilliant Detroit to launch Barbershop Books literacy program across 10 Detroit barbershops at event on March 22
Pistons collaborate with local 10-year-old author for “I Can Work in Sports” children’s book
DETROIT – In celebration of March is Reading Month, the Detroit Pistons announced two collaborations to encourage and emphasize the importance of reading among youth in Detroit.
The Pistons will launch the award-winning early literacy program, Barbershop Books, across 10 Detroit barbershops in partnership with Brilliant Detroit to celebrate, amplify and affirm youth to read for fun on Saturday, March 22. The organization also collaborated with 10-year-old author, George Latham IV, on a children’s book called “I Can Work in Sports.”
Pistons, Brilliant Detroit Launch Barbershop Books Literacy Program
Barbershop Books creates child-friendly reading spaces in barbershops, providing early literacy training to barbers and distributing youth-approved books to national barbershop networks.
“Launching Barbershop Books in partnership with Brilliant Detroit is an exciting opportunity to foster a love of reading and learning among Detroit’s youth in familiar and welcoming spaces like local barbershops,” said Megan Churches, Executive Director of the Detroit Pistons Foundation. “Early literacy programming is crucial in helping our youth build a strong foundation for lifelong learning, and we’re proud to be part of this effort to provide access to books in an engaging way and empower the next generation of leaders in Detroit.”
The 10 participating Detroit barbershops including Cutz Lounge The Grooming Shop, Executive Cuts and More, Tommie’s Barber Lounge and Metro Detroit Barber College, among others, will receive early literacy barber training, over 45 curated books per year and various other child-friendly items thanks to a $50,000 contribution from the Detroit Pistons Foundation. Brilliant Detroit will serve as the in-market organization that will facilitate the program within the community.
“At Barbershop Books, we know that a child’s reading identity—how they see themselves as a reader—shapes their motivation and engagement with books,” said Alvin Irby, Founder and Chief Reading Inspirer at Barbershop Books. “We’re excited to partner with the Detroit Pistons and Brilliant Detroit to inspire kids to read for fun in barbershops across the city.”
The Pistons and Brilliant Detroit will launch the Barbershop Books program on March 22 beginning at Noon at Cutz Lounge The Grooming Shop at 19655 Grand River Ave. in Detroit. Pistons guard Ron Holland will visit the location as a part of the launch, which will also include free hair cuts for pre-selected children from Brilliant Detroit Hubs and neighboring communities, appearances by Hooper and Detroit Pistons Dancers as well as additional family-friendly activities and giveaways.
“Brilliant Detroit is thrilled to partner with Alvin Irby, Barbershop Books and the Pistons,” said Cindy Eggleton, Co-Founder and CEO of Brilliant Detroit. “Alvin has created magic with this program. Core to our mission is nurturing a love of reading and doing this in barbershops across Detroit makes great sense”
Pistons collaborate with local 10-year-old author on “I Can Work in Sports” children’s book
The Pistons works with George Latham IV on a book collaboration designed to introduce and expose children to alternative pathways in professional sports outside of the stereotypical narrative of needing to be a professional athlete.
Latham IV interviewed and job shadowed Detroit Pistons employees and executives, including President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon and President of Business Operations Melanie Harris, to curate the book, giving children a first-hand look at working in different department across sports including roles in Creative, Ticket Sales, Public Relations, Community & Social Responsibility, Retail Marketing, Security, Athletic Medicine, Basketball Operations and Business Operations.
The book will be available beginning March 23 at georgelathamiv.com/shop.
– Pistons.com –
