Introducing Elijah Craft and Chase Byers
They are the names and faces of this very important cause that is an American crisis.
Elijah was a 12th grader reading at a 2nd grade level.
This young man is now a motivational speaker.
Chase was 4 when he signed up for MIRAMP and learned how to read virtually at the age of 5.
Chase is on the path to greatness and is an amazing reader now.
They are why we do this.
Be that village!
The impact of literacy
The Focus: Being committed to highlight how the literacy crisis imposes a threat to marginalized and urban communities. Will bring an awareness on how important it is to address the crisis and how lacking proper reading skills can directly impact a community.
The Work: The goal is to address the literacy disparities that exists, while providing access to organizations whose focus is to bridge the literacy gap within our communities.
Why this cause?
The statistics are alarming when it comes to the literacy problem in this country. It is time for action, because inaction will continue to see a school to prison pipeline that will result in our marginalized communities becoming endangered species. This deafening silence from so many cannot continue.
The 5K Run/Walk for Literacy Awareness is registered (#802846414) with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) as a Domestic Nonprofit Corporation as of April 2022.
The cause is to bring an awareness to the literacy crisis in this country, while at the same time providing access to the many literacy organizations throughout the country.
The Vision/The Passion
Eric Brown, Founder of the 5K Run/Walk for Literacy Awareness
Five years ago, I learned about a 12th grader reading at a 2nd grade level. I found this to be unacceptable. Not long after that, I read a report that came out of the state of California Department of Education speaking to the fact that 75% of Black boys were not reading at their grade level. This was even more unacceptable.
There was only one thing for me to do and that was to make a difference by bringing attention to a crisis that has been ignored by far too many people. If it is to be for me to make a difference, then I have to take on the load of being a difference maker.
To date, many have joined me in my crusade to make a difference and we will not stop until more people get involved to show that they too care. That way, we can collectively eradicate the illiteracy crisis that continues to negatively impact our communities.
Countdown to the 2022 5K Run/Walk for Literacy
October 22, 2022 at Darby Park in Inglewood, California
Meet The Literacy Warriors
I could not have asked to find a more amazing group of people to work with to make this vison of mine a reality.
The success of this event will be the result of their hard work and dedication to this cause.
Eastern Michigan University 8/20/22
LaTara, Jocelyn, Tray, Cathy, Carol, AJ, Art, Michelle, Brian
Chicago, Illinois 8/27/22
Reshorna, Frank, Andre
Cincinnati, Ohio 7/30/22
Kim, Ken, Rev. Dr. K.Z. Smith, Rev. Lane, Nikki, Patrice
*****COMPLETED*****
Washington, DC
Huel
Detroit @ Wayne State University 8/20/22
Cameron, Isaiah, Vic, Troy, Eric, Claude, Sylvester, Art, Brian, Rhena
*****COMPLETED*****
Dallas
Ralph
Atlanta
Natalie, Norm, Charles
Los Angeles 10/22/22
Jeanette, Monica, Billie Joe, Pete
Flint/Saginaw
Jimmy, Tim, Sylvester, Leonard
East Orange, NJ
Thelma, Rockell
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Elijah Craft (pictured above)?
Elijah is a young man who was featured in the Crain’s Detroit business magazine that highlighted his reading challenges as a 12th grader reading at a 2nd grade level.
Who is Chase Byers (pictured above)?
Chase was a five-year-old kid who had reading issues that were rectified via a virtual tutorial program created by MIRAMP (mi-ramp.org) in which he learned to read and is now progressing beyond belief.
What is the Elijah Craft and Chase Byers Reading Matters 5K Run/Walk for Literacy Awareness?
It is an event to address the literacy crisis and bring an awareness to American citizens that help is available through the many literacy organizations that exists throughout this country.
How can you get involved?
By visiting the website at https://elijahandchase5k4literacy.com to learn more about the role that you can play to be a part of the village to help everyone in the village.
Why this cause?
There is so much work to be done to help others reach there full potential and to end the school to prison pipeline by ensuring that we are a better educated society.
Where can I donate to help this vision become a reality?
Donations can be sent to The 5K Run/Walk for Literacy Awareness 6129 Stonetree Dr. Canton, MI 48187
How can I become a sponsor?
Sponsorship opportunities are available and you can send an email inquiry to 5k4literacy@gmail.com to learn more.
How will the funds raised be used?
Money raised in support of this cause will be donated to nonprofit literacy programs in the host cities where the 5K events are taking place. Said funds will be used to assist with their goals to address the literacy crisis in their respective communities..
Where is the 5K Run/Walk for Literacy Awareness registered?
We are registered with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) in the state of Michigan as a Domestic Nonprofit Organization under ID Number 802846414 and have a Federal EIN of 88-2336481. The 501.3.(c) status is pending.
How do I register to participate in one of the 5K Run/Walk events?
Send an email to 5k4literacy@gmail.com and a registration form will be sent to you. Select the city that you plan to participate and return the form accordingly. Registration fees can be submitted via CashApp under the handle $5K4Literacy.
Learn more about what we do
Welcome to Elijah & Chase Reading Matters for Literacy
Please take a moment to like the page on Facebook and Twitter.
https://www.facebook.com/5K-RunWalk-For-Literacy-105552265513904
https://twitter.com/ElijahChevyRea1
Taking steps to make a difference.