Author Chandra Donelson Partners with Uptown Literacy Lights to Bring Data Literacy to Harlem

MANHATTAN, N.Y. - May 10, 2025 - PRLog -- Author Chandra Donelson joined forces with Uptown Literacy Lights for a special community event hosted at the STEM Institute of Manhattan (P.S. 241), aimed at promoting data literacy and family-centered learning on April 26, 2025. The event drew over 50 local children and families, highlighting the importance of early literacy and STEM education in addressing long-standing educational disparities.

The event began with Donelson reading from her bestselling children's book, The Data Detective at the Carnival, which introduces children to key data concepts such as qualitative and quantitative information, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Her interactive reading was followed by a lively Q&A session with children, who asked questions about both the story and Donelson's journey as an author.

To celebrate community learning, four families received STEM-themed giveaway bundles, which included LEGO® sets and STEM Lingo kits to encourage hands-on learning at home.

In a memorable moment following the event, Donelson joined several children in games of dodgeball and basketball, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere that reflected the event's focus on community, engagement, and holistic literacy.

Donelson also signed 50 copies of her book, which were donated to local families thanks to sponsorship from Uptown Literacy Lights, an organization dedicated to improving literacy outcomes through family-centered programming.

Uptown Literacy Lights was founded to address the challenges of illiteracy in Harlem, where less than 40% of public-school students read at grade level. The organization combats this crisis by focusing on the entire family, offering holistic services that break generational cycles and support the community's long-term success.

"When we empower families with literacy and STEM tools, we strengthen the future of entire communities," Donelson said. "This partnership is a perfect example of how we can make learning joyful and accessible."

To learn more about Uptown Literacy Lights, visit www.uptownliteracylights.org.
To learn more about The Data Detective at the Carnival, request a book donation, or host an event, visit www.thedatadetective.org or contact contact@thedatadetective.org.