Our GOAL:

Empower.

To empower and invest in the literacy-related brilliance of humanity through creativity and imagination.

 
 
 

 

 

I love to read because it allows me to learn new vocabulary. I get to read books and have fun with my cousins at Family Literacy Nights!

Zuri Hudson, Co-Founder

 
 

Our Impact

Operating from a ‘pay it forward,’ motto and spirit, we remain committed to taking literacy to the community.

 

100+

Family Literacy Nights, across Metropolitan Detroit

 

6

At 6 months old, Zuri Hudson’s first word was: book

 
 

4,000+

books placed in the hands, hearts and homes of children, students, and families

 

Our Activities

Throughout the year, TZRI hosts and facilitates...

 

FAMILY LITERACY NIGHT

FLN is a FREE gathering of fun-filled literacy activities and games, spanning across subjects (i.e. English/Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, and Social Studies) for all ages. FLNs are held at various locations, including the Detroit Public Library (Redford Branch). Attendees engage and interact with their family members and other families and leave with free food, books, school supplies, resources, and more to promote and sustain educative development and growth.

 

FROM CLASSROOM TO COMMUNITY

FCC involves year-long literacy events and support, throughout Metropolitan Detroit and elsewhere. Partnerships have included: Detroit Public Libraries, Cranbrook Institute of Science, The National Council of Teachers of English, The Detroit Institute of the Arts, Judah Tabernacle, Michigan Reading Association, Detroit Public Schools Community District, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Traffic Jam & Snug, Real 1st Ladies Leadership Program, The Wellness Plan Medical Centers, Michigan Council of Teachers of English, Sweet Potato Sensations, Thrift on the Ave., The University of Michigan Detroit Center, and others.

STORIES & STYLES SUMMER SCHOLARS INSTITUTE

SSSSI is a summer enrichment program for students ages, 8-15. Activities include: STEAM exploration, storytelling, barbering workshops, self-empowerment discussions, resume skill-building, book clubs, yoga, field trips, and more.

Tentative 2025 dates: Friday, August 8th - Sunday, August 10th
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Virtual Academic/Holistic Support

Contact us for a quote for your specific academic and holistic needs. Virtual support includes: Individualized K-12 academic/homeschooling learning plans; resume and portfolio support; manuscript review and feedback; and obituary assistance and direction.

 
 
 

“We at the Wellness Plan Medical Centers, have always made the wellness of the whole patient our priority. When we noticed that a large percentage of the children and adults receiving care had literacy challenges, we decided that we would begin a literacy campaign. We partnered with The Zuri Reads Initiative. It has been amazing – we’ve been able to hold literacy events at multiple clinical locations for the last 2 years, and give out books to every child and adult in attendance.”

Tiffany L. Sanford, MD/MBA, Chief Medical Officer

 
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Get Involved

 

Learn More About our Activities

Looking to learn if our Family Literacy Night is coming near you? Or find out details about our Stories & Styles Summer Scholars Institute or more? Click here to read about our year-long activities.

Volunteer opportunities

Are you ready to help us ‘pay it forward?’ Click here to learn how to volunteer with us in the future?

Make a Donation

Your continued support is appreciated and allows us to deepen our mission and impact to promote literacy and excellence. Thank you so much for donating!

 

Dr. Raven L. Jones & Zuri Hudson Stanbrough, accepting the “Rock Star” Award at the Women Rock Science Gala from the Cranbrook Institute of Science

Zuri Hudson Stanbrough delivering a guest lecture, “‘Rooting to Rise”: Centering Student Voices & Equitable Literacy Practices Through Joy & Social Justice’ to pre-service teachers at Michigan State University

Register here to join the Michigan Council of Teachers of Color Affinity Spaces Sessions, led by DIJE Co-Chairs: Drs. Raven L. Jones & Rosalyn Shahid

https://mymcte.org

The Language Arts Journal of Michigan’s announcement as the 2023 Affiliate Journal of Excellence Award from the National Council of Teachers of English

The Language Arts Journal of Michigan’s announcement as the 2023 Affiliate Journal of Excellence Award from the National Council of Teachers of English

Dr. Raven L. Jones receiving the Journal of Excellence Award for the Language Arts Journal of Michigan at the 2023 National Council of Teachers of English Convention in Dublin, Ohio