The Trenton Literacy Movement, Inc., distributes hundreds of free books at the Sixth Annual Juneteenth Celebration

The Sixth Annual Juneteenth Celebration, hosted by the African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County, drew thousands to the Mercer County Park Festival Grounds for a day of culture, community, and pride. Among the highlights was a major literacy boost for local families, as The Trenton Literacy Movement, Inc. (TTLM) distributed hundreds of free children’s books to attendees.

“The event was a resounding success,” said Edward W. Bullock, author of Warren Goes to Grandpa’s and President of the TTLM Board of Trustees. “Juneteenth reminds us of the power of liberation, and as Frederick Douglass taught us, ‘Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.’ Literacy remains one of the most powerful tools we can place in the hands of our children.”

Bullock was joined by TTLM Board members Carm Catanese, Fundraising Chair; Gloria Jean Tunstall, Vice President; Deserie Hill; and Sandra Estrada, all of whom helped engage families and distribute books throughout the day. Several volunteers from the Trenton Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi helped set up for the event.

“Another great event—one that exposes children, parents, and our community to the joy of reading and the endless possibilities found in books,” said Vice President Gloria Jean Tunstall.

Board members Hill and Estrada added that the team “must have distributed hundreds of free books,” ensuring that children across Mercer County left with new stories to explore and new worlds to imagine.

All books were generously donated by TTLM’s literacy partner, BookSmiles of Central New Jersey, whose mission aligns with TTLM’s commitment to building home libraries and expanding access to high‑quality children’s literature.

TTLM’s advocacy matters because 25 million children in the United States cannot read proficiently, hindering school success, civic participation, and future opportunities. Furthermore, 61% of U.S. children living at or below the poverty line have no books at home, according to Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s leading children’s literacy nonprofit.

“These numbers are not abstract,” Bullock noted. “They represent our children—right here in Trenton. Every book we place in a child’s hands is an investment in freedom, confidence, and opportunity.”