Dr. Louise Rosenblatt was a foundational literacy scholar whose transactional theory of reading established that meaning lives between the reader and the text, a foundational idea still shaping literacy classrooms today.
#ReadingEducation #LiteracyLeaders
We’re happy to announce that our 2025 Grant Program has contributed nearly $90,000 to advance literacies work across Arkansas and the United States!
Meet the grantees, see the impact, and read the release here:
url:https://news.uark.edu/articles/80869
Purple promotional graphic for “Friday Night Reads” from the Community Literacies Collaboratory with star illustrations. The text invites participants to join a virtual reading event during the final week of Women’s History Month and bring a book by a favorite woman author. The event is hosted by Julia Jensen and Eric Darnell Pritchard and takes place Friday, March 27, with drop-in hours from 6–8 PM CST. A QR code for registration appears on the left, and images of several notable women authors are shown at the bottom.
Join us for a virtual Friday Night Reads during Women's History Month! Bring a book by your favorite woman author, share a quick intro, and enjoy a cozy evening of reading together. 📚
📅 Fri, March 27
💻 Zoom: drop in anytime 6–8 PM CST
🌟Register at QR code or visit link: tinyurl.com/FNRWomensHis...
What does it mean to teach writing with kindness — not as a soft add-on, but as a pedagogical foundation?
In the Sandbox, Shuvro Das reflects on what happens when writing classrooms center care, inclusivity, and joy.
🔗 buff.ly/9gdSiil
#LiteracyMatters #WritingInstruction #TeachingLiteracy
Graphic for International Women's Day on March 8 with the text “Celebrating powerful women from all over the world.” The design features portraits of notable women including Amy Tan, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, Alice Wong, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Maya Angelou, Malala Yousafzai, Frida Kahlo, and Toni Morrison, shown together against a teal background with the Community Literacies Collaboratory logo in the corner.
Celebrating #InternationalWomen'sDay by honoring a few of the many women whose voices, creativity, and activism have shaped our world.
Women pictured: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Malala Yousafzai, Frida Kahlo, Toni Morrison, Amy Tan, Celia Cruz, Maya Angelou, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, Alice Wong.
Literacy Highlight graphic announcing the 2026 African American Read-In event featuring Mychal Threets. The image includes a portrait of Threets, the African American Read-In 2026 logo from the National Council of Teachers of English, and the cover of the children’s book I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy, which shows a joyful librarian surrounded by children in a colorful library setting. The highlight notes a February 12 book reading, classroom activity, and conversation with Threets.
📚 On Feb. 12, students and teachers joined a book reading, classroom activity, and conversation with Mychal Threets, librarian and host of Reading Rainbow, as part of the African American Read-In celebrating the joy of reading and Black voices in literature.
🎥 Recording : tinyurl.com/NCTEAAReadin
A purple graphic celebrating Women’s History Month featuring a smiling LGBTQ+ activist wearing a colorful flower crown and pink dress. The text on the image reads “Marsha P. Johnson – Trailblazing LGBTQ+ Activist,” with decorative circular patterns in the background and the hashtag #WomensHistoryMonth at the bottom.
Marsha P. Johnson (1945–1992) was a key figure in New York City’s gay rights movement. Known for her joyful spirit and fierce advocacy, she supported LGBTQIA+ people and, alongside Sylvia Rivera, co-founded STAR to support queer and trans youth.
#WomensHistoryMonth #WHM2026 #LGBTQIA
A textured orange graphic that reads “Celebrating Women’s History” with the Community Literacies Collaboratory logo in the top corner. The design includes black-and-white historical photos of women marching and protesting, holding signs that say “Votes for Women,” “Jobs for All Now,” and “Women Strike for Peace and Equality.” At the bottom right, there is an illustration of three raised fists in different skin tones, symbolizing solidarity and empowerment.
The CLC is celebrating Women’s History Month by honoring the voices, movements, and moments that have shaped history and continue to inspire change today. ✊🏽📚
#womenshistorymonth #suffragistmovement #feminism #march2026
Promotional graphic for the podcast Light, Life & Limitations with Sharvon Hales. The design features a black-and-white portrait of a woman with curly hair, hoop earrings, and a necklace, labeled “Guest Stephanie D. Keene.” The episode is titled “Making Space to Create Again: Stephanie on Motherhood & Becoming” (Episode 08). The graphic states “streaming now on podcast.sharvon.com” and includes platform icons for Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. The color scheme is beige and purple with microphone illustrations in the background.
Stephanie D. Keene, CLC community partner, sits down with Sharvon Hales, host of the Light, Life, and Limitations podcast, to explore the topics of motherhood, prison abolition, and the honest work of figuring out what comes next creatively.
Listen on Spotify, Youtube, or Apple Podcasts!
Interested in one of our #literacygrants but have a question about your application? We're here to help! For a couple more weeks, we're offering Office Hours to answer your questions.
Don't wait - limited spots remain. Request a time: tinyurl.com/GrantsOffice...
📆 THIS WEEK | Join us for Friday Night Reads, where we'll be celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth with participation in the National African-American Read-In and reading books by our favorite Black authors
Save your spot:
👩🏿🦱 In Person: tinyurl.com/FNRFeb26-InP...
💻 Virtual: tinyurl.com/FNRFeb26-Vir...
🖤 ♥️ 💛 Let’s celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth by spotlighting incredible books by Black authors! Each title has been personally recommended by a CLC team member. Choose one that catches your interest and dive in - our Friday Night Reads event this Friday is the perfect opportunity to start one!
Toni Morrison didn't just write stories – she transformed American literature.
As the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, she inspired countless authors and scholars by giving voice to the Black experience.
#BlackHistoryMonth #BlackAuthors #ToniMorrison
ICYMI: Our 2026 Grant Cycle is officially open!
Our Seed & Growth 🌱 grants empower literacy programs to foster literacy and community throughout the US. Grants amounts can be up to $15,000.
👉 To learn more about our grants and how to submit, visit: tinyurl.com/CLCgrants
#literacygrants
Join author (and Founding Director of the CLC!) Eric Darnell Pritchard and illustrator Shannon Wright as they discuss their new book, 'Clothes to Make You Smile: Patrick Kelly Designs his Dreams' on February 12th at 7PM EST! We hope to see you there!🧵🪡❤️
Join us for our February Friday Night Reads! We will be holding an African American Read-In in person at Pearl's Books and virtually on Zoom on Friday, February 27th. Drop in anytime between 6PM-8PM to enjoy a quiet night of reading, and celebrate Black History Month and the 1st anniversary of FNR📚️
During the month of February, we celebrate and honor the stories and achievements of Black individuals who have shaped history. By reflecting on the past, we shape leaders who will inspire a better future.
We encourage you to celebrate Black History Month with us!
#blackhistorymonth
Colorful promotional graphic for a book launch celebration. A banner at the top reads “Book Launch Celebration” with event details: Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 6:00–7:00 PM at Dad Suggests Books, 2526 E Mission Blvd in Fayetteville. Bullet points list activities including picking up a copy, having it signed, getting free book swag, and enjoying refreshments. Below, a billboard-style image shows the book cover Clothes to Make You Smile by Eric Darnell Pritchard alongside bright green text reading “It’s Here!” against a blue sky background.
Join Dad Suggests Books in Fayetteville, AR, to celebrate the launch of "Clothes to Make You Smile" by local author (and our very own director of the CLC!) Dr. Eric Darnell Pritchard. 🎉
Meet Dr. Pritchard, get your book signed, enjoy swag and treats—Tuesday, Jan 13, 6–7 PM!
Dark gray promotional flyer titled “CLC Grants Program Office Hours.” Text explains that applicants interested in meeting with the Community Literacies Collaboratory team to discuss potential grants can schedule virtual meetings beginning in February by filling out a form. A QR code and short link are included, along with an icon of three people and the CLC logo at the bottom.
📣 Interested in applying for a CLC grant in our 2026 Grant Cycle? We'll begin hosting virtual office hours in February to meet with prospective applicants & discuss grant opportunities.
⏰ Office hours: Wed. afternoons & Fri. mornings
🔗 Scan QR code or use the link tinyurl.com/GrantsOffice...
Illustrated graphic on lined notebook paper titled “The CLC’s Favorite Books of 2025.” A hand-drawn stack of books appears in the center with the Community Literacies Collaboratory logo above it. Doodle-style stars, scribbles, and a pencil decorate the page.
Notebook-style graphic featuring two book covers selected by Dr. Pritchard as favorite books of 2025. The top book is The Reformatory by Tananarive Due, shown with a quote praising the book’s extraordinary impact. Below is The Day God Saw Me as Black by D. Danyelle Thomas, accompanied by a quote describing the book as elegantly written, accessible, and thoughtfully humorous. Hand-drawn trees and floral doodles decorate the background.
Notebook-style graphic highlighting Julia’s favorite book of 2025. The book cover Heart the Lover by Lily King appears on the top left, with a quote explaining why it's Julia's favorite book. The book cover Madness, Rack, and Honey by Mary Ruefle is below with a quote from Jackie about her thoughts on the book.
Notebook-style graphic highlighting Julia’s favorite book of 2025. The book Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins appears on the top left, with a quote explaining why it's Molly's favorite book. The book cover Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay is below with a quote from Braxton about why he likes the book.
The CLC's favorite books of 2025🌟
#favoritebooksof2025 #suzannecollins #marieruefle #paultremblay #lilyking #tananarivedue #danyellethomas
Happy New Year from the Community Literacies Collaboratory! 🎉
We’re grateful for our community and excited for all the chapters ahead. May your year be filled with learning, connection, and stories that inspire.
#happynewyear #2026 #community
Cream and gold promotional flyer titled “Friday Night Reads: A Virtual Silent Book Club – New Year, New Genre (2026).” The text invites readers to try a new genre and enjoy a peaceful evening of reading, beginning with short introductions. The event is hosted by Julia Jensen and Dr. Eric Darnell Pritchard. Event details list Friday, January 16, with drop-in hours from 6–8 PM CST. Decorative gold stars, a book illustration, the Community Literacies Collaboratory logo, and a QR code appear on the flyer.
Join us for a New Year, New Genre edition of Friday Night Reads, our virtual silent book club. Pick a book from a genre you don’t usually read and enjoy a calm, cozy evening of reading with community. 📖
🗓 Friday, Jan. 16
⏰ Drop in anytime between 6–8 PM CST
🔗Scan the QR code to join!
Graphic titled “CLC Quote Corner” featuring a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that reads, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” The design includes colorful geometric shapes on the left, the Community Literacies Collaboratory logo at the top, and a black-and-white portrait of Dr. King in the lower left corner against a light blue background with small decorative stars.
This holiday season, we’re reflecting on the power of service and care for one another. 💙
As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us, the most important question is how we show up for others.
#MLK #MLKQuotes #DrMartinLutherKingJr
Holiday hours announcement graphic featuring evergreen branches in the background. A white paper sign pinned at the top reads, “Enjoy the Holidays! Holiday Hours. The CLC will be closed December 24th–January 2nd.” The Community Literacies Collaboratory logo appears in the bottom right corner.
Happy Holidays, everyone! In observance of the holiday season, the CLC will be closed from Dec. 24th - Jan. 2nd. During this time, responses may be delayed. We appreciate your patience and will be in touch once we return from the holiday break.
We wish you a restful & joyful holiday season! 🎉
Promotional flyer for author and facilitator Reagan E. J. Jackson. The flyer features the book cover of Still True: The Evolution of an Unexpected Journalist, a memoir-in-essays about journalism, community, and social justice. Photos show Reagan smiling in a red dress and reading from her book at an event. Text describes her as an award-winning writer, activist, and educator, and outlines three university booking packages that include author talks, workshops, and bundled book copies, along with contact and website information.
Second page of a promotional flyer detailing Reagan E. J. Jackson’s author talk and writing workshops. The author talk description focuses on witnessing cities in flux, inequality, gentrification, and community resistance, with excerpts and audience Q&A. Workshop offerings include “Writing with Voice,” “Mixtape Memoir,” and “Pitching,” each listed as two-hour sessions. Photos show Reagan participating in a panel discussion and leading an interactive writing workshop with participants seated around tables.
Bring award-winning writer and educator Reagan E. J. Jackson to your campus 📚✨
The CLC had the joy of working with Reagan at our 2025 symposium. She offers impactful author talks and writing workshops on storytelling, community, social justice, and voice.
Learn more: reaganjackson.com
A promotional graphic shows five Black trans and gender-diverse individuals standing together and holding bouquets, smiling at a film festival event. Overlaid text reads “Comfrey Films BTSFF 2026 Submissions Open” in large white and orange lettering. Filmstrip imagery frames the top and bottom of the image. The submission website link is displayed clearly near the bottom.
A black graphic with bold white and orange text announces the Comfrey Films Black Trans Short Film Festival submissions timeline. Key dates are listed: submissions open October 1, early deadline November 1, regular deadline December 1, and late deadline January 7. A filmstrip graphic runs along the bottom edge, reinforcing the filmmaking theme. The Comfrey Films website link for submissions appears prominently at the bottom.
A light-colored graphic outlines the submission criteria for the Comfrey Films Black Trans Short Film Festival. The text explains that films must be under 20 minutes, are due January 7, 2026, and must be created by a Black trans, gender non-conforming, or intersex filmmaker or center Black TGNCI experiences. Key eligibility language is highlighted in orange for emphasis. The Comfrey Films submissions website appears at the bottom of the image.
⭐ ⭐ Calling all Black Trans, GNC & Intersex filmmakers! Submissions are OPEN for Comfrey
Films’ 2026 Black Trans Short Film Festival.
🎬 Films must be under 20 mins
🗓️ Final deadline: Jan 7
Submit: comfreyfilms.org/submissions
Flyer announcing The Sandbox 2025 Print Edition, Vol. 2 Issue 1. At the top is a chalk-style illustration of a sandcastle and shovel. Text invites readers to sign up for a free printed edition of the CLC Sandbox journal and provides a signup link. Decorative star shapes appear around the design. A QR code and the Community Literacies Collaboratory logo are at the bottom. The flyer notes that the last day to sign up is January 9th and mailings begin in February.
The Sandbox 2025 Print Edition is here! ✨
Sign up to receive a free printed copy of the CLC’s literary journal, The Sandbox (Vol. 2, Issue 1).
Don’t miss out - the last day to sign up is Jan. 9th, and mailing begins in Feb.!
➡️ Scan QR code or visit the link to sign up
tinyurl.com/Sandbox2025P...
A flyer titled ‘Literacy Highlight’ with the headline IMLS Restores Competitive Grant Funding. Below the title are the author’s name, Nathalie op de Beeck, and Publishers Weekly. The main image shows the exterior of the IMLS headquarters in Washington, D.C., with people sitting and walking outside the building.
The IMLS has reinstated all federal grants after a permanent injunction in State of Rhode Island v. Trump, which halted attempts to dismantle the agency. Orgs. whose grants were abruptly terminated earlier this year have now been notified that funding is restored~
tinyurl.com/GrantFunding...
A graphic titled “CLC Recommends—Book of the Week.” The featured book is Mothman Apologia by Robert Wood Lynn, shown with a grayscale cover depicting a foggy river valley and a bridge. Text on the right says the book is recommended by Jackie. The background includes soft abstract shapes and small mountain icons at the bottom.
Kicking off December with a powerful poetry pick from Jackie! 📚✨
This week’s CLC Book of the Week is "Mothman Apologia" by Robert Wood Lynn - a stunning collection that weaves together love, loss, the opioid epidemic, and the complexities of growing up in the Virginias.
#bookrec #robertwoodlynn
A teal flyer announcing CLC grant applications open Feb. 1–May 1. It explains that proposals supporting literacy work in the U.S. are welcome, with priority for Arkansas-based projects. Grants offer up to $15,000, with decisions made within two months. The flyer includes a link to communityliteraciescollaboratory.com/grants, an email contact, document icons, and CLC and University of Arkansas logos at the bottom.
The CLC is excited to open our 2026 grant cycle from February 1st to May 1st🌟
Each proposal is reviewed by our CLC Advisory Board, with funding opportunities of up to $15,000 per grant.
Learn more at communityliteraciescollaboratory.com/grants
For questions: brownchairinenglishliteracy@gmail.com
