Media Advisory: Diversity Through Literacy

Campaign celebrates diverse representation and inclusion in children’s literature

NEW YORK, NY, April 2, 2025 – Literacy in Community (LINC), an early childhood literacy nonprofit, and Fidelis Care, a New York State health plan, announced the fifth year of their collaborative Diversity Through Literacy campaign. Started in 2021, Diversity Through Literacy is an annual campaign recognizing the power of children’s literature to celebrate diversity in all forms by sharing many voices, embracing unique perspectives, honoring different cultures, and more. 

April is National Celebrate Diversity Month and seven separate LINC events are being held across New York City. The goal is to instill a love for reading and deeper appreciation of diversity among families with children from birth to 5 years old. Each event features a guest author and the first 35 families to register for each event will receive a signed copy of the guest author’s book. All children in attendance will receive additional books to take home. 

LINC’s multigenerational, culturally responsive programming inspires children to connect with one another, gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others, and to find awe and inspiration in the world around them. When children and parents see themselves and others in the books they read, they are more likely to become engaged readers, equipping children with the skills for success in school and in life. 

"At Literacy in Community, we believe that early literacy is not just about learning to read—it’s about fostering a love for diverse voices and stories. Our Diversity Through Literacy program, spanning eight communities in New York City, empowers children and families by celebrating authentic literature, introducing them to authors who share their stories, and providing parents with the tools they need to support their children's reading journey. By embracing diversity, we are not only building stronger readers but also a more inclusive and connected community."– Emmanuel Novy, Chief of Strategic Initiatives 

We are deeply grateful for our partnerships with book publishers Encantos, Penguin Random House, Lil' Libros, and Bookelicious, and to PIX 11 News for creating and airing a public service announcement to promote our campaign throughout the city.

Share our love for reading and our PSA, and be part of diversity in action this spring!

Wednesday, April 2, 2025
BOROUGH	LOCATION	TIME	AUTHOR	BOOK
The Bronx	Kingsbridge Library 291 West 231st Street Bronx, NY 10463	11:00AM	Susie Jaramillo	Pin Pon
Friday, April 4, 2025
Manhattan	Alianza Dominicana 530 W 166th Street New York, NY 10032	10:00AM	Susie Jaramillo	Little Sunny Sunshine
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Staten Island	Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street Staten Island, 10304	12:30PM	Susie Jaramillo	Little Sunny Sunshine
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
South Jamaica	Jamaica Community Partnership 91-14 Merrick Blvd Jamaica, NY 11432	11:00AM	Javaka Steptoe	Sweet Sweet Baby
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Fordham	Niño de la Caridad 2467 Bathgate Ave Bronx NY 10458	11:30AM	J de la Vega	Wepa
Friday, April 25, 2025
East New York	HELP USA 273 Snediker Ave Brooklyn, NY 11207	2:00PM	Dan Saks	We Share This Neighborhood
Saturday, April 26, 2025
East Harlem	DREAM Charter School 1991 2nd Avenue New York, NY 10029	10:00AM	J de la Vega	Wepa

About Literacy in Community: Since 1996, LINC has worked to harness the power that exists in every community to make literacy a value and right of all children and promote educational equity. Early literacy is critical for children’s lifelong social and health benefits. Our two-generational Community Literacy Model connects families with each other and with resources that already exist in the community to surround children with literacy-rich environments inside and outside of home. When a child reads, a community succeeds! 

For more information about LINC and our Diversity Through Literacy program, visit us at: https://www.lincnyc.org/programs or contact Virginia Taddoni, Associate Director of Communications, LINC at vtaddoni@lincnyc.org or 212-620-5462, ext. 133. 

About Fidelis Care: Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. With more than 2.4 million members statewide, Fidelis Care believes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. Follow us on LinkedIn at linked.com/fideliscare, on Twitter at @fideliscare, Instagram at @fideliscare, and on Facebook at facebook.com/fideliscare. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org. 

“Early childhood literacy is critical for the cognitive and social development of children,” said Fidelis Care Medical Director and Pediatrician Dr. Lisa Moreno. “Diversity in literature allows children to explore and understand the world around them. A child who sees themselves reflected in the pages of a book can feel validated and empowered, while also learning empathy and understanding by reading about different cultures and experiences.” – Dr. Lisa Moreno, Fidelis Care Medical Director and Pediatrician