Madison Reporter

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is commemorating the 21st anniversary of its "Read Your Heart Out" initiative. This annual event focuses on literacy, cultural pride, and community engagement, embracing the African concept of Sankofa and the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Each year, the program invites schools to welcome family members, community partners, and volunteers who identify as African American/Black. These participants read books, recite poetry, and connect with students through visual and oral storytelling. The theme for this year is Kujichagulia, a Swahili word and Kwanzaa principle that means "self-determination," aimed at inspiring pride and agency in students.

Michelle Belnavis, a retired MMSD educator and founder of "Read Your Heart Out," stated: “We, in the spirit of Sankofa, are leaving this world a better place than when we entered it.” She added that “‘Read Your Heart Out’ is about families, communities, staff and students joining hands and coming together for the love of reading [with the belief that] everyone matters.”

Traditionally launched on National African American Parent Involvement Day with an in-person event at an MMSD building, this year's program began virtually. It featured prerecorded messages from key stakeholders along with music and dance performances by Mendota Elementary School students. Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard also participated by reading a story so all district elementary schools could join simultaneously.

Sarita Foster, MMSD’s community schools manager, emphasized: “Today, we come together as a community to celebrate the power of reading, the joy of storytelling, and the incredible impact books can have on our lives.” She noted that “this is a day to inspire and be inspired,” focusing on fostering a lifelong love of reading among students.

"Read Your Heart Out" aligns with MMSD's recently launched "Mad for Reading" campaign. This initiative aims to boost student enthusiasm for reading while encouraging family involvement in their literacy journeys. Since starting at Midvale Elementary School in 2004, more than 40 schools across eight districts in Wisconsin now hold annual events.

Over the next two weeks, all MMSD elementary schools will dedicate at least half a school day to hosting their own "Read Your Heart Out" events.