Literal About Literacy Book Club

Like the drum, literacy is the cornerstone of communication.” Tuere Burns; Executive Director, BAR NONE by DeSign Our partnerships with celebrated journalist and New York bestselling author, Ta-Nehisi Coates and 3R- AYA Book Giveaway as allowed us to put literacy back in the forefront.

With a country that is 24th in the world in reading and writing comprehension, we more than understand that this is beyond serious—this is an epidemic, we are in crisis!

Our literacy program serves as a step in the right direction to counter that. Especially among Black people who are incarcerated in those that have been impacted by the Prison Industrial Complex.

Since its conception, we have donated more than 500+ books and are taking a more organized approach to our book club.

If you would like to donate, please email us at info@bar-none.net.

“With Intent to Prevent” Keeping Youth Youth Measure 

Keeping youth, youth is imperative for BAR NONE by DeSign. There are so much conversation and energy that goes into an intervention that society doesn’t focus on how much of it can actually be prevented. And although there are times when intervention is absolutely necessary, and there is no other alternative but to intervene, so much of what young people get themselves into can be just as easily prevented. As parents, educators, activists, community members, we recognize, remember, and understand the importance of the tribe, We know that without us there is no them. A simple hello goes a long way with a child so imagine how far a conversation can go or showing interest in what they’re interested in, even if you disagree. A healthy debate makes for an inquisitive mind and someone who is self-determined to learn more and teach even more. Servant Leaders. We have been able to do this in spaces as small as one on one and as large as 25 to 1. There is no such thing as too little or too many when referring to young people in general and Black children specifically because they are the ones whose lives are at stake. 

The state of Louisiana locks up children as young as ten years old. In New Orleans, most of those children are Black males and most of those arrested are school-based. As a liaison, we assist schools, parents, and more importantly, the child, who is the one that is supposed to be met with compassion first and counseling as an alternative, not prison. 

What we do matters because children matter most to us. Those same little people will be responsible for our way of life sooner than we think. Right now we have the opportunity to be on the side of humanity and guide them because we love them.