The literacy crisis affecting Black children across America has reached alarming levels, with only 17 percent of Black fourth graders reading at proficient levels nationwide. This troubling statistic drops even further to 16 percent for eighth graders, illustrating an urgent educational emergency. NBA superstar Steph Curry and bestselling author Ayesha Curry have responded to this challenge through their Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, creating a documentary titled “From Struggle to Strength: Advancing Literacy in Oakland.”
Following the journey of young readers
The 20-minute documentary centers on three students from the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) as they navigate their reading comprehension challenges. The film introduces viewers to fifth grader Damiyah and first graders Ariyah and Jude, documenting their struggles and triumphs as they work to reach critical learning milestones.
Through intimate portraits of these children, the documentary provides a window into the real-world impact of literacy challenges. Each student demonstrates unique learning needs, reinforcing the necessity for personalized educational approaches.
The film also highlights the Currys’ deep commitment to improving literacy rates within their community, presenting both the obstacles and potential solutions to this pervasive issue.
Confronting deeper educational barriers
The documentary emphasizes that reading difficulties stem from systemic issues rather than individual shortcomings. The film explores how educational inequities have persisted for generations, particularly affecting communities of color.
Steph Curry articulates the importance of ensuring children achieve grade-appropriate reading levels, noting that this foundational skill significantly impacts their entire educational trajectory and future opportunities.
Dr. Renée Boynton-Jarrett, a pediatrician and social epidemiologist featured in the documentary, provides context on how socioeconomic factors compound literacy challenges. She explains that many Black children face additional obstacles including economic instability and limited access to resources, which directly affect their educational development.
Community investment and targeted interventions
The Currys’ foundation has made a substantial financial commitment to address this crisis, pledging $50 million to OUSD. Their strategic focus on elementary-aged students reflects research showing that early intervention is crucial for literacy development.
The situation in Oakland is particularly concerning, with 66 percent of third graders in OUSD reading below grade-level proficiency. By third grade, educators can identify struggling readers, and without appropriate support, these early difficulties often lead to persistent academic challenges and broader social consequences.
The foundation emphasizes 3 essential components for improvement:
- Providing access to culturally relevant, age-appropriate books
- Implementing tailored teaching methods through small group instruction
- Offering one-on-one tutoring for the most struggling readers
Measuring progress and expanding impact
The documentary showcases the positive outcomes achieved since the Currys initiated their literacy campaign. Their foundation has committed $25 million over five years to provide individualized support to 10,000 students, embodying their belief that literacy represents an investment in both individual futures and community prosperity.
Steph Curry stresses the importance of raising awareness about literacy issues, encouraging parents and guardians to actively participate in children’s reading development. This parental engagement complements institutional efforts and creates a more supportive environment for young learners.
Beyond literacy initiatives, the couple’s foundation has made additional contributions to Oakland’s public schools, implementing programs to improve nutrition, enhance learning environments, and increase physical activity opportunities for students.
Creating lasting educational change
“From Struggle to Strength” serves as both a documentary and a call to action, illuminating the literacy crisis in Oakland while demonstrating effective response strategies. The film shows how partnerships between educators, communities, and philanthropic organizations can create meaningful educational improvements.
By featuring the personal journeys of Damiyah, Ariyah, and Jude, the documentary humanizes statistics and emphasizes the individual potential at stake. Their stories illustrate how targeted interventions can transform learning experiences and open new possibilities for students who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the educational system.
The Currys’ approach demonstrates how public figures can leverage their influence and resources to address fundamental social issues. Their foundation’s work exemplifies the impact that can be achieved when awareness meets action, providing a model for similar initiatives in other communities facing educational challenges.
The documentary is now available for viewing online, offering both an educational resource and inspiration for those interested in supporting literacy initiatives within their own communities.
