Children's Literacy Project Launches 'A Night for Literacy'

The student organization is hosting "A Night for Literacy" from 7 to 9 p.m. April 24 at the university's Jackson Avenue Center. They hope to raise $5,000 to support the group's projects.

The evening will feature a screening of "Sentenced," a 2024 documentary highlighting the lifelong challenges faced by adults who never learned to read, followed by a panel discussion with prominent literacy advocates. Tickets are $25 apiece.

"This event is about more than raising money," said Cate Drane, founder of the Children's Literacy Project. "It's about bringing the community together around literacy and showing people how they can make a difference."

In February, members of the group assembled and distributed more than 250 literacy kits to third graders at McLaurin Elementary School in Natchez. Each kit included "The Lemonade War," this year's Mississippi Reads One Book selection, along with a reading guide and resources for families to support reading at home.

The group's immediate goal is to fund more literacy kits and school events designed to build excitement about reading. In the long term, Drane hopes to expand the project across Mississippi and eventually throughout the Southeast.

Drane, a junior from Natchez majoring in public policy leadership and public health, credits much of the group's success to support from the Center for Excellence in Literacy Instruction.

"Improving literacy isn't just about helping individual students – it's about strengthening entire communities," said Angela Rutherford, the center's director and professor of teacher education. "The Children's Literacy Project is driving change by building a generation of confident, capable readers."

Organizers emphasize that "A Night for Literacy" is intended for an adult audience and designed to motivate attendees to take action. Sponsorships are available, and all proceeds will go directly toward purchasing books and supplies for Mississippi students.

Although "Sentenced" addresses serious issues, organizers aim to balance urgency with optimism, encouraging attendees to contribute financially and volunteer to help improve children's literacy.

For Drane, the work connects directly to her career goals.

"If you can't read, it affects everything: your health, your job opportunities, your future," she said. "This project is about giving kids the tools they need to build better lives."

For more event and ticket information, click here.

Top: Cate Drane, founder and leader of the Children’s Literacy Project, helps pack literacy kits in Kinard Hall for third graders in the Natchez-Adams School District. 'A Night for Literacy' aims to raise funds to continue purchasing items for these kits. Photo by Hunt Mercier/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services