Storytime Chapter 1: Beginnings
We’re excited to share the success of our inaugural event, Storytime. Centered around the theme of “beginnings,” the sold-out event celebrated the start of great stories, the beginning of a child’s literacy journey, and more. The event took place at Lumi on September 14th, featuring captivating live performances and a curated exhibit.
We’re proud to have served over 2,500 children and families since 2019. Storytime featured an interactive exhibit that combined data with heartfelt personal stories from program participants. One portion of the exhibit showcased our All 99 initiative, highlighting the vibrant families and neighborhoods of Birmingham. This exhibit provided an enlightening look at the power of early literacy in and for our community.
Storytime showcased performances by renowned artists: Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Archibald, Grammy-nominated duo The Secret Sisters, award-winning author Randi Pink, pop culture commentator Jamie B. Golden, and award-winning poet Salaam Green. A “book fair for grown-ups” by Thank You Books added a nostalgic touch.
All proceeds from “Storytime” supported our early literacy programs, aiming to increase interactive talk between children and caregivers. We believe in the potential of every word to spark curiosity and shape futures. Storytime wasn’t just an event; it was a celebration of words, stories, and their profound impact on our lives. Thank you for being part of our journey and we hope to see you at next year’s Storytime event, to be held in September 2024.