akronlocal.org

Akron Screens Documentary on Literacy Rights

Staff Report / Akronlocal.org

**Community Gathers in Akron for Special Screening of "The Right to Read" Documentary**

Last night, the Akron-Summit County Public Library hosted a special screening of the documentary *“The Right to Read: The Greatest Civil Rights Issue of Our Time.”* The event turned out to be a resounding success, with many community members attending to watch the important film and engage in discussions about literacy and education.

The documentary, produced by renowned actor and advocate LeVar Burton, sheds light on the challenges surrounding literacy in the United States. It follows the stories of an activist, a teacher, and two American families as they work to ensure that children gain access to the foundational skill of reading, which is widely recognized as a key to lifelong success.

This meaningful event was made possible through the partnership between the library and the Summit Education Initiative. After the screening, a panel discussion featured the following local experts in literacy and education:

- **LaMonica Davis**, Principal of Helen Arnold CLC

- **Dr. Shelley Houser**, Director of the Center for Literacy at the University of Akron

- **Dr. David James**, Executive Director of the Summit Education Initiative

- **Pam Kennedy**, Early Literacy Specialist with the State Support Team Region 8

Community members who missed the screening can still view the documentary online. *“The Right to Read”* is available for free streaming on Kanopy with a valid Akron-Summit Library card. Access the film here: [https://www.kanopy.com/en/akronlibrary/video/14531557](https://www.kanopy.com/en/akronlibrary/video/14531557).

The library expressed its gratitude to everyone who attended and participated, emphasizing the importance of addressing literacy as a critical civil rights issue.

Source: Akron-Summit Library

Source Type: Library

Source Location: Akron

Jan 15, 2025 at 2:30 PM

Library

Akron, OH

https://www.facebook.com/795207592636032/posts/1059278556228933

Light snow falls on Colorado's northeast plains, ends by noon

DENVER — Light snow is falling over the northeast plains of Colorado, mainly east of Brush and Akron, with drivers urged to use caution on roads including I-76 as the snowfall is expected to end by noon.

Feb 19, 2026 at 9:38 AM

weather

Ohio Dept. praises Akron-Canton partnerships

Columbus, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Development said it’s a great time for Ohio thanks to partners such as the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance (ACAA), the Canton Advocacy Alliance, the Canton Regional Chamber and the Greater Akron Chamber (GAC), adding that success isn’t achieved in a silo and that working together is making a difference in the Akron-Canton region and that it looks forward to expanding partnerships.

Feb 12, 2026 at 5:05 PM

Business