A Day of Reading Initiative at Dr. Crosby Copeland Jr. Elementary School
The power of literacy, mentorship, and community partnership was on full display at Dr. Crosby Copeland Jr. Elementary School as Room to Read and the Northeastern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. joined forces to celebrate the fraternity’s Room to Read initiative.
More than 20 members of the Trenton Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., joined by undergraduate members from The College of New Jersey and Princeton University, visited classrooms throughout the school to read with students and encourage a lifelong love of reading and learning.
The event reflects an expanding partnership between Room to Read and the Northeastern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., which share a commitment to improving literacy outcomes for children through access to books, positive role models, and educational opportunities. Across the fraternity’s more than 700+ chapters, Kappa men are working alongside educators and literacy advocates to help ensure that every child develops the reading skills necessary for future success.
“Room to Read is a global literacy organization that envisions a world in which all children can pursue a quality education that prepares them to be fulfilled and make positive change in their families, communities, and the world”, said Ted Sanchious, Northeastern Province Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. “Room to Read’s values of Collaboration, Action, Respect, Education and Scale demonstrate a partnership that C.A.R.E.S.”
“This initiative demonstrates the transformative impact that literacy can have on a child’s life,” said Ahmanish Robinson, Polemarch of the Trenton Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. “By placing caring mentors and quality books in front of young readers, we are investing in their futures and helping them realize their unlimited potential.”
The initiative was further strengthened through a collaboration with The Trenton Literacy Movement, Inc. and BookSmiles, which provided more than 200 age-appropriate books for students attending Copeland Elementary School. The books allowed students to build personal libraries at home and continue developing their reading skills beyond the classroom.
Edward W. Bullock, President of The Trenton Literacy Movement and a 50-year member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., emphasized the connection between literacy and opportunity.
Quoting abolitionist Frederick Douglass, Bullock reminded participants that, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”
“Literacy is one of the first steps to liberation,” Bullock said. “When children become confident readers, they become empowered learners. Reading opens doors to achievement and lifelong success.”
Former Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer, Chairman of the Trenton Literacy Movement, Board of Trustees, echoed the importance of literacy as the foundation of educational achievement.
“Our kids must first learn to read so they can read to learn,” Palmer said. “Programs like this help reinforce the critical role reading plays in shaping successful futures.”
Michael Rosenberg, Principal of Dr. Crosby Copeland Jr. Elementary School, praised the partnership and its impact on students.
“What a memorable day for our Copeland Family,” Rosenberg said. “Kudos to Room to Read, the Northeastern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi, the Trenton Alumni Chapter, and all of our literacy partners for promoting reading, inspiring our students, and placing more than 200 books into the hands of young people.”
Latoya Wiley, Doctoral Candidate and Information Literacy Specialist at Copeland Elementary, highlighted the value of connecting literacy resources with community engagement.
“When organizations unite around children and literacy, the results are powerful,” Wiley said. “This partnership demonstrates how books, mentorship, and encouragement can work together to strengthen both academic achievement and student confidence.”
The collaborative effort between Room to Read, the Northeastern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., The Trenton Literacy Movement, BookSmiles, and Dr. Crosby Copeland Jr. Elementary School illustrates how strategic partnerships can create meaningful educational impact.
Together, the organizations delivered a message that extends well beyond a single day of reading: “Reading opens windows, doors, and mirrors of reflection. Education further creates opportunity, and Literacy ultimately helps set children free to be all they can be. If you can see it, if you can read it, you can be it.”
