Promotional graphic for the 'Leading in Literacy' Luncheon & Awards event, featuring a woman with curly hair and glasses, with a background of stacked books and event details in green and blue text.
View the 2025 highlight reel and full photo gallery.

Friday, Nov. 14
11 AM - 1 PM

Memphis Hilton • 939 Ridge Lake Blvd.

A woman with curly hair and glasses sitting on a brown sofa, wearing a black top.

Erica Armstrong Dunbar
Leading in Literacy Award Honoree

A confident older African American woman with gray curly hair, wearing glasses, a black outfit, layered pearl necklaces, a smartwatch, and multiple bracelets, standing with arms crossed in an indoor setting.

Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings
Thought Partner

Close-up of a smiling African American man wearing glasses, a white dress shirt, and a beige plaid suit jacket, with a blurred background of colorful windows.

The Leading in Literacy Awards & Luncheon was conceived during our 50th Anniversary to not only honor the past, but also to inspire vision and action for the future. We are thrilled to continue this tradition and invite you to join us as we celebrate Erica Armstrong Dunbar, award-winning historian, author, and co-executive producer of HBO’s The Gilded Age. We are also honored to welcome Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings, who will join our honoree for a live discussion, moderated by Dr. Charles McKinney of Rhodes College.

Dr. Charles McKinney
Moderator

Green banner with bold white text that reads 'Local Leading in Literacy Champion'.
International Paper logo featuring a stylized green and black geometric design next to the company's name in black text.

We are thrilled to recognize International Paper as our Local Leading in Literacy Champion! Year after year, IP has shown an active commitment to supporting, growing, and empowering literacy programs across the Mid-South.

Leading in Literacy Luncheon 2024 Highlights & Gallery

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