Silas Grant, Jr. Hosts Inaugural “Walk for Literacy” Event to Honor his Father

Silas Grant Jr., Reading Partners DC board member, is hosting the inaugural “Sonny Boy’s 5K — A Walk for Literacy” on Oct. 29 at 10 am at the Metropolitan Branch Trail at 8th and Edgewood Streets, N.E. to honor of the legacy of his father, Silas Grant, Sr. who passed away in October of 2021 at the age of 81.

“From the tender age of eight years old, my father began a life of hard labor, with no choice but to forgo pursuing his education to aid his family financially,” says Grant, Jr. “Because of his obligation to work, my father navigated through life without the ability to read or write.”

Grant, Jr. has chosen to focus his tenure with Reading Partners on raising awareness about the organization’s efforts to ensure that participating DC Public Schools students have the assistance and resources needed to succeed, including identifying volunteers and tutors from the Black community. “Having grown up with a parent who endured hardships due to illiteracy, I understand the critical need to prevent illiteracy during the childhood stages,” Grant, Jr. says. 

All are welcome to walk, jog, sprint, or run in the event. To register for the event or to make a donation, go here. All proceeds from the 5K will go to Reading Partners DC.

Prior to his death, Grant, Sr. was an avid walker, known to walk several miles at a time, even into his mid 70s. “Despite the challenges that his situation presented, my father’s illiteracy did not prevent him from working within a utility company for close to 40 years as well as owning and operating his own waste management company,” says Grant, Jr. “He raised three children with his dedicated wife, Rosa, and was highly regarded in his community, family, place of worship, and work. This event is a fitting tribute to his life and legacy.” 

If you have any questions, please contact Devika Strother at devika.strother@readingpartners.org.

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