Meet Ruqayyah Simmons | Co-Founder and Executive Director of Black Boys Read Too; Curriculum and Instructional Supervisor for Say Yes Little Scholars

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ruqayyah Simmons and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ruqayyah, what do you want people to remember about you?
My legacy is intertwined with the vision of a brighter future for young minds, particularly those within the Black Boys Read Too Initiative in Buffalo, NY, which I co-founded with my friend Jelicia Jimenez. As I reflect on what I want to be remembered for, I envision a legacy of transformation in the realm of education.

My journey began as a teacher in December 2020, recognizing it as merely the first step toward a more profound impact. The experiences in the classroom fueled my commitment to making a difference. Being a role model for countless children was a beautiful experience, and it underscored the importance of having teachers of color who could relate to and inspire students.

Now, as the Curriculum and Instruction Supervisor for the Pre-K readiness program, Say Yes Little Scholars, I oversee teachers and teaching assistants across six classroom sites. The opportunity to influence and support these educators, many of whom are teachers of color, allows me to contribute to the educational journey of our 3-year-old little scholars. This role is pivotal in effecting change right from the beginning of their educational path.

Literacy holds a special place in my heart, and it’s a cornerstone of my mission. Through Black Boys Read Too, we have initiated a bookshelf program that aims to make Black boys (and girls) feel seen and heard in the stories they read. What began with three bookshelves in Buffalo Barbershops has now expanded to 12 across Erie and Niagara County. I am immensely proud of the progress we’ve made and excited about the future impact we will create.

Ultimately, I want my legacy to be one of empowerment, equality, and access to quality education for every child. Through Black Boys Read Too and my work with Little Scholars, I aspire to leave a lasting imprint on the educational landscape, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, feels valued, represented, and equipped for success.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our journey began in March 2022 with a vision to empower young readers through accessible and culturally relevant literature. Today, in 2023, I’m proud to say that we’ve expanded from our initial three bookshelves in Buffalo barbershops to twelve, reaching not only barbershops but also branching out into other community spaces, such as Boys and Girls Clubs.

What makes Black Boys Read Too stand out is our commitment to providing a carefully curated experience for our readers. Each bookshelf is stocked with between 50 and 75 brand new books, with a strong emphasis on stories featuring Black protagonists, heroes, and role models. We don’t accept used book donations, as we believe in delivering a fresh and intentional selection tailored to the specific clientele of each barbershop or community space.

One of the unique aspects of our programming is the integration of literacy events that go beyond the traditional approach. We strive to create a holistic experience by combining health and fitness, mindfulness, the arts, sports, and, of course, the love of literacy. This approach reflects our understanding that education and growth are multifaceted, and we aim to nurture not only the minds but the overall well-being of the children we serve.

A particularly exciting addition to our initiatives is the Barbershop Bookclub, where we bring the concept of “traditional” book clubs directly into the barbershops hosting our bookshelves. Witnessing young boys, along with their parents, uncles, and mentors, coming together to bond over the books we provide is truly heartening. The involvement of barbers in this process adds to the communal spirit that defines the barbershop experience.

Choosing barbershops as our primary locations was a natural decision for us. Barbershops hold immense cultural significance, serving as more than just places for haircuts—they are community hubs and safe spaces. The familial atmosphere, the sense of belonging, and the neutral ground make barbershops ideal locations to bring books directly to the boys in our community. Our slogan, “Bringing Books to the Boys,” encapsulates our commitment to making literature accessible and relevant in a space that resonates deeply with the community.

The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but our dedication to the cause has fueled our growth. The lessons learned along the way have reinforced our belief in the transformative power of literature and community engagement. We are excited about the impact we’ve made so far and look forward to continuing our mission of bringing books, representation, and a love for learning to the hearts of young readers in Buffalo and beyond.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Whether you’re a foodie, an art enthusiast, a sports fan, or someone who enjoys exploring neighboring cities, Buffalo has something for everyone.

Start your visit with a casual night at The Oakkroom, a Buffalo staple offering great food and a welcoming atmosphere; as an extra bonus I bartend there on Friday nights!

If you’re in town during football season, catching a Bills game is a must.
Buffalo’s arts scene is rich and varied. The AKG Art Museum showcases an impressive collection, while local galleries and live performances add to the city’s cultural vibrancy.

In the summer the city comes alive with festivals like the Beau Fleuve Music and Arts Celebration, and the Juneteenth Festival, a vibrant celebration of culture and history. Buffalo’s proximity to Toronto also opens up the possibility of a day trip just a 2-hour drive away.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to dedicate this shoutout to my fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Candace Harper from Community Prep in Providence, Rhode Island. My fondest educational memories are from that time, filled with engaging field trips and captivating projects. Spending three years teaching 5th grade myself, I realized the profound impact a teacher could have on shaping a child’s perspective and fostering a love for learning. Mrs. Harper, through her dedication and passion, instilled in me the desire to pursue a career in education. She is the reason I always knew that education would be my home, no matter what other career paths I explored.

The genesis of Black Boys Read Too was fueled by the needs of my students, particularly the boys I taught. Witnessing their reluctance to engage with reading, I recognized a gap in access to books that resonated with them. Drawing from my experience in building a classroom library, where I personally provided books to my students each month, I wanted to scale this impact.
This desire led to the creation of Black Boys Read Too. I reached out to my friend, Jelicia, a school librarian at the time, and together, we birthed the idea of placing bookshelves in barbershops. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the belief that every child deserves access to literature that reflects their experiences.

In essence, this shoutout extends to Mrs. Candace Harper for being the catalyst behind my passion for education, and to my students, whose struggles with reading inspired the inception of Black Boys Read Too. It’s a collective effort that has shaped the trajectory of my career and fueled my commitment to making a difference in the lives of young learners.

Website: www.blackboysreadtoo.org

Instagram: blackboysreadtoo_bflo

Image Credits
Nate Peraccini Damon Kimbrough Keith A. Williams