Giving the gift of reading: Alcorn collects 10 thousand books for Zumbi University in Brazil
Alcorn State, Miss. (December 4, 2013) – Alcorn State University collected over 10 thousand books for Zumbi dos Palmares University in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Alcorn President M. Christopher Brown II is asking the public to join the school in giving the gift of reading this holiday season.
Alcorn adopted Zumbi dos Palmares University and has collected a variety of books to assist the school, Brazil’s only historically black university in expanding its library. Alcorn began collecting books for the school in October with a goal of accumulating 1000 books. Faculty, staff, alumni, students and surrounding communities have contributed all kind of resources, exceeding Alcorn’s goal of 1,000 books.
“I’m impressed and thankful that the Alcorn family has been so generous,” Brown said. “We are not a rich university, but Alcorn demonstrates our commitment to continuously invest in the knowledge and economic prosperity in our nation and beyond our borders, one of Alcorn’s founding missions.”
Brown decided to donate books to Zumbi after visiting the school earlier this year and seeing its library had very few books.
“I attribute my professional success to a strong mother who taught me to read at an early age,” said Brown. “So many students struggle at all educational levels simply because they are unable to read at grade level or choose not to read at all.”
Giving a book as a gift is a wonderful way to encourage the love of reading at any age. Not only will the Zumbi community benefit from this book donation, but also its surrounding neighbors will likewise.
Dr. LaShundia Carson, a reading specialist who oversees the Master in Arts Teaching Program at Alcorn, stresses the importance of reading whether in school or not.
“Being a successful student or a successful adult requires reading and comprehension,” said Carson who encourages her students to read every day to help increase their vocabulary and knowledge. Reading should be a life long goal and is vital no matter your age or education level.”
Alcorn is continuing to accept donations of books and monetary gifts to help ship the books to Brazil.
To donate books or money to Alcorn’s Zumbi dos Palmares University book drive, please call the Alcorn State University Foundation at 601.877.6296.
