Business and Community Enters Classroom to Support Celebrity Read for Early Childhood Literacy

EAST ORANGE, N.J. - March 2, 2018 - PRLog -- On Wednesday, over 25 business and community leaders left the office and entered the classroom to support the Celebrity Read early childhood literacy program at the Cicely Tyson Elementary School in East Orange, NJ.  Storytellers included Urban Essex Chamber of Commerce Founder's Circle members:

*  Royston Allman, Ampere Civic Improvement Association, Inc.
*  Milton Hobbs, TAP  into  East Orange/Orange
*  Anna D Banks, Better Biz Better You

Royston Allman, Urban Essex Chamber (UECOC) member, shared his experience of the day, stating "The young kings and queens of Cicely Tyson School were very impressive and engaging.  They had meaningful commentary on the theme and scope of the story I chose to read.  The faculty and parents of Cicely Tyson are doing a great job educating our children."

Celebrity Read, created in 1990 and designated a "Local Legacy" by the Library of Congress, in 2001, celebrates the rich and diverse history of African Americans and their role in shaping our national identity and was later expanded to include a component focusing on the contributions of those of Latino heritage. The term "celebrity" refers to anyone who volunteers his or her time to share their accomplishments, obstacles and observations with area youth. They can be from all walks of life–from the business community, professional firms and government employees, to musicians, athletes and actors. Real life role models who are willing to share their life experiences are encouraged to become Celebrity Readers.

"Volunteering as a Celebrity Reader was excellent, outstanding, enjoyable and fun," said Anna D Banks, Urban Essex Chamber of Commerce (UECOC) member. "Celebrity Read, for Early Childhood Literacy, is a very important program that must continue"  "I look forward to participating in the upcoming Career Day at Cicely Tyson and Celebrity Read 2019."

About Urban Essex Chamber of Commerce

The Urban Essex Chamber of Commerce (UECOC) is the premier organization serving businesses in Urban Essex (East Orange, Irvington, Newark and Orange) and its members by providing products, programs and services that improve economic prosperity and sustainability.  UECOC sponsors a variety of programs and services to businesses ranging from large corporations.  For more information about UECOC visit the website:   Http://UECOC.org or email:   UrbanEssexcc@gmail.com