"Read Black Boy Read!" is an innovative program by IMAGE127 aimed at increasing literacy rates among Black boys and addressing the School to Prison pipeline.

Literacy is a cornerstone of educational success and personal empowerment. Unfortunately, statistics reveal a dire situation for Black boys in the United States. Only about 10% of 8th-grade Black boys read at or above a proficient level, with no state exceeding 19% in 2018. By 12th grade, just 6% of Black boys reach proficiency, and a mere 1% read at an advanced level. This literacy crisis is a critical factor contributing to the School to Prison pipeline, where low literacy rates correlate with higher incarceration rates among Black males.

The program will involve Black boys reading to each other from literature written by Black authors, and will include activities such as podcasts, visual forums, and reading sessions in various libraries. Additionally, the program will offer empowerment modules covering resume writing, career opportunities, financial literacy, and more, all taught by Black male professionals.