At Newark Educators Community Charter School (NECCS), we had the pleasure of celebrating Read Across America with a very special guest—Mayor Ras J. Baraka! His visit brought excitement and joy to our Pre-K students as he read the beloved classic Corduroy by Don Freeman.

This heartwarming story follows a stuffed bear in search of his missing button, only to discover something even more valuable—friendship, belonging, and love just the way he is. Mayor Baraka’s reading captivated our young listeners, reinforcing the timeless message that everyone is worthy of care, kindness, and a place to call home.

Read Across America is more than just a celebration of books; it’s an opportunity to foster a love of reading and highlight the importance of literacy from an early age. At NECCS, we are committed to nurturing a culture where books inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in all our students. Having Mayor Baraka join us for this special occasion made the event even more meaningful.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Baraka for taking the time to share the joy of reading with our students. Moments like these create lasting memories and encourage a lifelong appreciation for literature.

📚✨ #ReadAcrossAmerica #NECCSReads #MayorBaraka #Corduroy #NewarkReads