Assistant Professor of Communication Science and Disorders Dr. Lakeisha Johnson spoke at the Milton S. Carothers Faculty Lecture Series on February 15th, 2022. Her presentation, titled, Literacy and Justice for All: Cultural Considerations for Diverse Readers, explored the benefits which readers of diverse backgrounds bring to the classroom, as well as culturally responsive practices in literacy instruction. 

“Representation matters,” said Dr. Johnson. “Promoting diverse voices is a critical component of allowing readers to see themselves reflected and mirrored in what they read. Books can introduce us to dreams that we didn’t even know were possible. I strongly believe the books in our homes and classrooms should be reflective of the children who are present in them.” 

Dr. Johnson actively works to promote diverse voices in children’s literature, having recently launched her own website, Maya’s Book Nook, which promotes books that highlight BIPOC characters. “Books are an extremely great way to broach sensitive topics when we feel we don’t have the right or age-appropriate words,” she said. She hopes that those who attended her presentation leave knowing that “our cultural and linguistic differences should be celebrated and leveraged in such a way to ensure even our most vulnerable students learn to read.”