WS Chronicle

Photo by Donna Rogers

BY DONNA ROGERS 

THE CHRONICLE

“A lot of times, this part of the city is bypassed,” Andrew Snorton said in East Winston in explaining why he chose to promote reading there in honor of his birthday.

University alumnus from Snellville, Georgia, held a program called “The Literacy Project” on Saturday, Aug. 27 at the Malloy-Jordan East Winston Heritage Center in East Winston.

“The biggest positives [from the event] was that different people from the writing community and people all across the city came to East Winston” for the event.

Snorton said he wanted to get people in East Winston as well as Winston-Salem to learn and develop skills young and old need. He said reading and vocabulary are linked to strength in writing and public speaking, which leads to analytical thinking.

“The earlier we promote consistent exposure with children, and adults, too, it’s going to be better across the board,” Snorton said. Why not turn the negative perceptions into positive ones? he asked.

Group readings were conducted, and representatives spoke about their groups linked to literacy.

Kim Bell, secretary of the Friends of the Malloy-Jordan East Winston Library, spoke about her organization. She spoke about the children’s programs at the library. Children can get help with homework and tutoring.

“Any way we can help, we help,” she said.

Bell said the library is trying to raise money to get iPads and tablets for children to check out to help with their homework.

Also, those who attended the program were asked to bring books and take a book if desired. The books that were not taken are being donated to the East Winston library.

Maurice Graham, 9, who started fourth grade at Petree Elementary School on Monday, Aug. 29, was excited to get a backpack, school planner, tickets to a Wake Forest football game and other goodies from “The Literacy Project.” He writes books, including fairy tales, and reads as much as he can, including to his infant baby brother Doquann “Baby D.J.” Reid every night.

“I have some items for school, but I can use more,” Maurice said. He came to the library with his grandmother, Kim Bell.

Snorton said he’s always done a community service and outreach piece when celebrating his birthday, which is Aug. 31. He said he comes to Winston-Salem on business, especially as a member of the Wake Forest University School of Divinity board.

East Winston has a rich history, Snorton said as he pointed to the walls holding historic photos. He wants to help residents and others learn about the history and keep it going.

“How can we continue to breathe life for the things that are here and break ground for new things?” he asked.

Snorton can be contacted at email: asnortonccs@gmail.com or asnorton06@gmail.com;