As a literacy organization, we understand the importance of diverse, inclusive, and historically accurate texts for both children and adults. We acknowledge the decades-long underrepresentation of BIPOC characters in the book industry and make conscious efforts to distribute texts that are reflective of Memphis, a community made up of 64% Black citizens, 29% white citizens, and 7% citizens that identify as Hispanic or other races.

As an organization, we also understand the disproportionate barriers to employment that historically underrepresented populations, including candidates of color, candidates who identify as women, LGBTQ+ candidates, and candidates with disabilities face when entering the workplace. These considerations call for flexibility in the historically rigid minimum requirements necessary for consideration for a given position. As it pertains to hiring practices, we seek to acknowledge the value of relevant experience as it compares to an acquired degree, consider the details of the formerly justice-involved, and commit to ensuring that job postings are accessible in historically underrepresented spaces.

From an advocacy standpoint, we understand the role that literacy plays in the realization of a socially-just community. Additionally, we acknowledge the systemic barriers that create a less-literate population. These realities inform our internal initiatives, as well as our external presence in collaborative community initiatives. We strive to be an organization of literacy champions that encourages substantive learning to build cultural consciousness & proliferate pro-equity policies and advocates for public and private-sector policy that promotes cultural equity.

Lastly, we strive to center the voices of the people we serve. We recognize the unique cultural capitals and literacies of the populations we work with, and prioritize community input as it informs our programming. This is evident in our creation of neighborhood-led literacy zones, the formation of our learner council, and the centering of individual goals in our Adult Learning Program.

Our agency vision of a 100% literate Mid-South is most attainable when we prioritize these practices. Our continuous evolution requires routine examination of our strategy and a willingness to acknowledge when our work falls short of our intentions. Literacy Mid-South understands that our commitment to diverse, inclusive, and equitable practices serves our ability to make real change in the literacy rates of Memphis and the Mid-South.