In the United states, there are 130 million adults or 54% of the adult  population that can't read at a sixth grade level. Many young people due  to generational or systemic factors aren't taught how to read or never  fully developed the skill which forces many to grow up without proper  reading skills. On this episode of the Black on Black education podcast,  we met with Deidra Mayberry, co-founder and executive director of  Reading to New Heights, to discuss the ongoing and often hidden issue of  illiteracy. Her program, Reading to New Heights, provides access to  educational services with the hopes of adult's learning and or improving  their readings skills. Throughout the episode, we dive into Mayberry's  life and passion for literacy work rooted in her experiences with  illiteracy. We discuss the barriers created by illiteracy and literacy transforms one's life by dismantling such limitations and uplifting their sense of self-worth. Furthermore, recognizing that these  statistics is also rooted in the failure of the educational system, She transitions to providing insight for educators working with students with these struggles that promote safety and freedom from judgement.

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