BIRMINGHAM, AL — On the eve of Halloween, something special happened in Birmingham.
Instead of trick-or-treating, families gathered at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center for a celebration that blended joy, learning, and healing. The Books & Treats Literacy Celebration transformed the night before Halloween into a community movement for literacy and safety — showing that reading can be just as exciting as candy.
Hosted by the Institute of Research for Social Justice in Action (IRSJA) in collaboration with One Hood WENS, the City of Birmingham’s Office of Community Safety Initiatives, and Birmingham Parks and Recreation, the event drew more than 400 residents — children in costumes, parents, educators, and community leaders — all united by one purpose: proving that when one hood wins, everybody wins.
From Candy Bags to Bookshelves
At first glance, it looked like a festive Halloween block party — music, food, laughter, and plenty of costumes. But beneath the surface was a deeper mission: turning literacy into a tool for peace.
Each book handed to a child represented more than just pages; it represented possibility and hope.
Miles College students teamed up with community volunteers to lead reading games and storytelling sessions alongside the school’s beloved Golden Bears mascot. Author Aisha Hall brought her character Larry the Lending Lion to life, teaching financial literacy in a fun and unforgettable way.
Even Birmingham’s first responders joined in, dancing, reading aloud, and connecting with youth — proving that joy, learning, and safety can share the same space.
“When children learn to read, they also learn to dream,” said Dr. Jamila T. Davis, Executive Director of the Institute of Research for Social Justice in Action. “And when we nurture those dreams together, we build safer communities from the inside out.”
Why Literacy = Safety
We don’t talk about it enough — literacy is a public safety issue.
In Central Alabama, nearly 58% of adults need stronger reading and writing skills, and only 54% of Birmingham’s third-graders are reading at grade level. When our children fall behind, their futures become more vulnerable.
That’s why events like Books & Treats matter. They connect education, family, and community healing — using reading as a bridge toward brighter, safer futures.
“The City of Birmingham has charged our office to lead the work of reducing violence — and community initiatives like this are a key part of that,” said Uche Bean, Director of Community Safety Initiatives. “Books & Treats represents what real safety looks like: neighbors connecting, kids smiling, families engaging, and communities learning together. This is prevention in action.”
A Black Woman’s Vision for Change
For Dr. Jamila T. Davis, this work is part of a larger vision. As a nationally recognized social-justice leader, author, and founder of programs that empower women and youth, she’s made it her mission to transform communities from the inside out.
Through IRSJA, she’s helped launch powerful initiatives across the country — from Rise Up Birmingham to Pull Up 4 Peace — each designed to heal trauma, restore hope, and strengthen families.
“What we’re doing in Birmingham is bigger than one event,” Davis said. “We’re building a movement that connects literacy, healing, and safety. It’s about rewriting our stories — one book, one child, one community at a time.”
Looking Ahead
The Books & Treats Literacy Celebration is more than a feel-good moment — it’s the start of something ongoing. IRSJA, the City of Birmingham, and local partners plan to expand this work through literacy-based family events and youth-led community initiatives throughout the year.
Because when Black women lead, communities heal. And when our children read, they rise.
