This episode features an impassioned discussion with Sonya Thomas, the executive director of Nashville Propel, known for her fierce advocacy in the field of literacy transformation. She shares her personal struggle with her son being unable to read at grade level, pushing her towards transforming parental literacy advocacy and founding Nashville PROPEL, a Nashville, TN group that organizes and develops powerful parent leaders that demand equitable education policies and practices.

Engaging in a symphony of voices advocating for literacy leadership, Sonya voices her anger and determination to change the systemic failures of the educational system. Mentioning literacy as a broader societal issue, not limited by race, color or creed, Sonya specifically empathizes with parents’ struggles. The episode encourages listeners to champion the rights of all children to read through collective advocacy and calls for a deeper understanding of literacy beyond quick-fix solutions.

Key Points:

00:04 Introduction: The Power of Literacy Transformation

00:52 Meet the Panel: Advocacy and Community in Literacy Leadership

01:54 Guest Spotlight: Sonya Thomas and Nashville Propel

02:39 Sonya's Personal Journey: The Fight for Literacy

04:57 The Impact of Illiteracy: A Personal Perspective

05:45 The Birth of Nashville Propel: A Movement for Change

06:41 The Betrayal of the Education System: A Parent's Perspective

07:44 The Emotional Damage of Illiteracy: A Call to Action

08:51 The Power of Parent Advocacy: Building a Movement

09:10 The Struggle for Academic Achievement in the Black Community

11:34 The Right to Read: A Human Rights Issue

13:32 The Role of Parents in Literacy Advocacy

15:41 The Importance of Reading: A Life-Changing Skill

16:48 The State of Literacy in Nashville: A Call for Accountability

23:31 The Role of Leadership in Literacy Advocacy

27:52 The Dirty Secret of Illiteracy

28:55 Channeling Passion into Constructive Outcomes

29:15 The Role of Parents and Educators in Literacy

30:11 The Struggle of Reading and Poor Instruction

30:59 The Pain of Dyslexia and Dystaughtia

33:18 The Fight for Literacy: A Personal Journey

35:11 The Importance of Educating Educators

37:55 The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy

46:28 The Struggles of Parents and the Socioeconomic Problem

49:58 The Importance of Data and Understanding Reading

52:16 The Role of Nashville Propel in Literacy Advocacy

54:20 Closing Remarks