Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader

RCCS Holds 7th Annual “Kings Who Read” Event

Seven years ago, Dr. Dionne Ledford and her super talented staff of educational professionals at Roseville Community Charter Schools (RCCS) envisioned a day of celebration and literacy promotion to honor the memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.

They created “Kings Who Read,” inviting Black men to share the joy of reading, model leadership, and show support to future readers and leaders. This year, on January 23, 2026, RCCS fathers and community leaders read inspiring stories about Dr. King and others to classes of eager listeners.

Guest King readers this year included: Newark NJ Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Newark Councilman C. Larry Crump, NJ African American Chamber of Commerce Founder/CEO Dr. John Harmon, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens, PSEG Sr. VP Rick Thigpen, PSEG Foundation President Calvin Ledford, Exec. Director of Partnership West, Inc. and RCCS Trustee Cesar Vizcaino, NJPCSA President Harry Lee, and former pro-footballer and TWS Founder A.B. Whitfield just to name a few.

After the event, Dr. Ledford shared, “Dr. King was an avid reader and a strong advocate for quality education for all; and I believe he would be pleased to see a literacy event like this as a celebration of his life and legacy.”

 

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