Dyslexia Advocation

There are moments in this journey that quietly remind you… you’re not alone.

At the Black Literacy Matters Conference, I had the chance to reconnect with two educators who were part of the very beginning of my journey as a parent navigating dyslexia and special education.

One was one of the first Black OG tutors I encountered—highly trained, deeply knowledgeable, and committed to the science of reading before it became widely talked about. The other was an educator who simply showed up—keeping a watchful, caring eye on my daughter during summer ESY when I needed to trust that she was in good hands.

Seeing them again, years later, still doing this work… still showing up for Black children who struggle to read… still committed to making a difference—it did something to my heart.

Because let’s be honest, this work is hard.
It would be easy to move on.
To shift focus.
To leave the fight behind.

But they didn’t.

And in that moment, I realized something powerful:
I didn’t either.

We are still here.
Still advocating.
Still pushing.
Still believing in our children.

That kind of consistency… that kind of commitment… that kind of love for our community is what fuels movements.

My heart was full because their presence reminded me that this is bigger than one child, one family, or one moment. This is about a collective commitment to ensuring that Black children who struggle to read are seen, supported, and taught in ways that honor their brilliance.

We didn’t drop off.
We didn’t walk away.
We stayed in this fight.

So all can read. ❤️📚









Lauren Kellman & Lavaunda Roundtree 💕✊🏽

Some moments remind you just how powerful community really is.

Hosting a LIVE panel of the Black and Dyslexic Podcast at the 3rd Annual Black Literacy Matters Conference was one of those moments I will never forget.

For so long, the podcast has been a space where stories are shared across microphones and screens. But when those voices are in the room. The energy hits different. The truth was undeniable. The stories were deeply felt.

Our live episode, “Unmuted: Black Men, Dyslexia & the Power of Naming the Truth,” was a powerful conversation about the lived experiences of Black men navigating dyslexia—how it has been misunderstood, misidentified, or ignored, and what happens when the truth is finally spoken out loud. The response from the audience made it clear: these conversations are necessary.

What made the experience even more special was meeting several B.A.D. Podcast alumni in person—guests who had previously shared their stories on the recorded version of the podcast. Seeing them face-to-face, embracing, laughing, and continuing the conversation reminded me why this platform exists in the first place.

The Black and Dyslexic Podcast has always been about voice, dignity, and truth. And in that room, surrounded by educators, parents, advocates, and leaders in literacy, it felt like something bigger than a podcast. It felt like a movement.

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who showed up, shared their story, and helped make Unmuted such a powerful moment at this year’s conference.

We’re just getting started. ❤️📚