Hill Harper Joins Henry County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to Inspire Young Readers at B.A.R.T. Literacy Event
- Game Changers
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Henry County, GA – (March 26, 2026) — The Henry County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. recently joined several partners to celebrate a powerful milestone, the B.A.R.T. (Boys Are Readers Too) literacy initiative at Shiloh Baptist Church featuring award-winning actor, author, and activist Hill Harper. On Sunday, March 8, young men from Henry County gathered for the program’s culminating event.
Designed for boys in grades 3–8, the B.A.R.T. program is an initiative of the Arts and Letters Commission of HCAC Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., led by committee chair Lisa Smith and B.A.R.T. Chair Yolanda Kimbro and additional committee members. During its inaugural year, the program enrolled over 100 young men from across Henry County who spent several months strengthening their literacy skills while reading and discussing Harper’s acclaimed book “Letters to a Young Brother.”
The March 8 event marked the culmination of those reading sessions, as Harper spoke directly to the young participants about the power of education, leadership, and self-belief. Because the boys had already spent months reading his book, the conversation was especially meaningful, allowing them to connect personally with Harper’s message about perseverance, character, and the importance of knowledge.
“Reading is a gateway to opportunity. When you open a book, you open your mind to possibilities far beyond where you are today,” said Hill Harper. “Each of you has the power to write your own story, and education is one of the most powerful tools you can use to shape your future.”
Throughout the program, B.A.R.T. participants engaged in activities designed to bring the lessons from the book to life. One highlight included a visit to the Porsche Experience Center Atlanta, which connected with themes from Letter Two in Harper’s book, “The New and Improved Model.” The experience encouraged the young men to reflect on personal growth, discipline, and striving to become the best version of themselves.
“Programs like B.A.R.T. remind our young men that their community believes in them,” said Reginald Scandrett, Sheriff of Henry County, Georgia. “Reading builds knowledge, confidence, and discipline, qualities that will serve these young men for the rest of their lives.”
Students also participated in a Virtual Black History Program titled “Trailblazers: The Power of Being First,” featuring leaders who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations. Guest speakers included Mayor Jaylen Williams, recognized as the youngest African American mayor elected to the city of Stockbridge; Wonya Lucas, daughter of William Lucas, the first African American General Manager of a Major League Baseball team; and Fred Gray II, son of civil rights attorney Fred Gray, who famously represented Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement.
“Reading opens the door to opportunity and helps young people see themselves in a future filled with possibility,” said Demetra Daniels, President of HCAC Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.. “B.A.R.T. was created to nurture a love for literacy among our young men while surrounding them with mentors who encourage them to dream big and lead with purpose.”
The culminating event also reflected strong community support, as men in leadership from across Henry County attended in large numbers to encourage the young participants and emphasize the importance of mentorship and education.
In addition to Harper’s keynote conversation, the event featured a community book fair highlighting works by local authors as well as offerings from Scholastic, giving students and families the opportunity to further explore the joy of reading and build their personal libraries.
“Literacy is the foundation of academic achievement and lifelong success,” said Irwin Clark, President of the Southern Crescent Technical College Griffin Campus. “When young men develop strong reading habits early, it strengthens their confidence and prepares them to pursue higher education and meaningful careers.”
A special moment during the event included recognition of Darius Pattillo, District Attorney of Henry County, Georgia, who was presented with the B.A.R.T. Facilitator of the Year Award. Pattillo was honored for his outstanding commitment and leadership, including facilitating the program’s first sessions and providing mentorship and encouragement to the young men throughout the initiative.
As B.A.R.T. concludes its inaugural year, organizers say the program’s success—demonstrated by strong participation, meaningful engagement, and overwhelming community support—signals a bright future for the initiative and the young readers it serves.
About B.A.R.T. – Boys Are Readers TooB.A.R.T. (Boys Are Readers Too) is a literacy initiative led by the Arts and Letters Commission of HCAC Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.. The program encourages boys in grades 3–8 to develop strong reading habits, leadership skills, and academic confidence through mentorship, structured reading activities, and community engagement. For additional information about B.A.R.T., contact us at artsandletters@hcacdst.org.
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