What is Men of Color Read?
Men of Color Read is a national movement rooted in the belief that literacy is identity, healing, and power—especially for Black and Brown children.
It brings fathers, uncles, barbers, artists, and educators into classrooms, gardens, barbershops, and community spaces to read with and for children.
The Problem.
Children rarely see Black and Brown men reading. This absence is structural.
Less than 5% of children’s books are written by men of color
Most schools and libraries are staffed by white women
Black and Brown boys are most likely to be criminalized and least likely to be affirmed
“SCHOOLS ARE NOT ALWAYS WELCOMING SPACES FOR CAREGIVERS AND SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEN TO ENGAGE IN A SCHOLARLY PURSUIT.”
— DUANE DAVIS
"MEN OF COLOR READ IS NOT A STAND-IN FOR CAREER DAY. IT IS AN INTENTIONAL PRACTICE OF CARE, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITY REPAIR."
– DUANE DAVIS
Counting on Community
Author & Illustrator:
Innosanto Nagara
What it teaches:
We build community by sharing, helping, protesting, and celebrating together.
Our Response.
We create spaces where men of color are not guests—but builders.
Men of Color Read invites Black and Brown men to show up publicly as readers, caregivers, and culture keepers.
What We Do.
We build literacy ecosystems where reading is communal and joyful.
Barbershop bookshelves
Community read-ins
School-day story times
Festivals and public art sites
“BEING INTENTIONAL ABOUT WHAT YOU READ, WHO READS IT TO YOU AND WHY... IS A POWERFUL TOOL FOR ALL LITERACY INSTRUCTION, EXPOSURE, ACCESS AND JOY.”
– DUANE DAVIS
HEY BLACK CHILD
Author & Illustrator: Useni Eugene Perkins+Bryan Collier
What it teaches:
Black children are brilliant, powerful, and capable of shaping the world around them.
Activity for children: Invite an MOC author, poet, or artist to read the book aloud and share their creative work. Then ask: “What do you dream of becoming?” Children can write or draw themselves in that role—scientist, dancer, teacher, healer.
Idea: Host a MOC Read event where men share who inspired them and help children write their dreams on “I Can Be...” posters.
Why It Matters.
When children see men of color reading:
They develop literacy and identity
They feel reflected and respected
They build lasting trust in themselves and their communities
Editor and Contributors: 17 Black male and nonbinary authors
What it teaches: Black boyhood is filled with laughter, creativity, adventure, love, and limitless imagination.
Activity for children: Choose one short story to read aloud from the collection. Invite a Black male guest to share something joyful from their own childhood..
Idea: Host a MOC Read event where boys write or draw what brings them joy—then share aloud in a “Joy Circle” with peers and mentors.
“IF YOU WANT BETTER WORKFORCE OUTCOMES, FOCUS ON LITERACY. IF YOU WANT BETTER HEALTH OUTCOMES, FOCUS ON LITERACY... IF YOU WANT COMMUNITIES TO BE JOYOUS, FOCUS ON LITERACY.”
— DUANE DAVIS
Men of Color Read is a movement, not a moment. Join US.
Get in touch with MOC to start a local Men of Color Read site
Host a read-in at your school, library, or barbershop
Share this vision with funders and literacy leaders
Be the mirror a child needs