This summer, Miss Sweet Potato Pie will bring Rochester’s first literacy parade to life.
Since 1998, Dianne Snowden-Johnson, known as Miss Sweet Potato Pie, has been active member in the Rochester community — educating the city’s youth about history, literacy and more.
Snowden-Johnson said she created the character to connect with children in a way that feels warm, relatable and fun while simultaneously delivering educational messages.
As a pre-K teacher, Snowden-Johnson likes to stress the importance of literacy and how critical early learning is.
“Children need to learn their ABCs, how to write their names, and foundational reading skills before entering kindergarten. These early skills are essential for long-term academic success,” she said.
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), more than 40% of children are not reading on grade level — showing a need for literacy-focused initiatives.
The SoulFoodBabies Literacy Parade is meant to help combat the issue by creating excitement around reading and imagination.
When will Rochester’s literacy parade happen?
Snowden-Johnson is looking to host the parade on August 15 around the Highland Park area. A solidified time and start point will come at a later date.
Snowden-Johnson said that the parade was inspired by her quintessential childhood memories and entertainment, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Walt Disney World Resort, books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and musical productions like The Wiz.
“Growing up watching magical adventures, colorful storytelling, music, dancing, and imagination, inspired the vision for a literacy parade where children could experience that same excitement through books and education,” she said.
The parade will feature book-themed floats, literacy inspired performances, costumes representing books and characters, school and classroom literacy displays and educational banners.
“We are absolutely accepting groups, organizations, schools, churches, dance teams, drum lines, educators, literacy advocates, community supporters, bands, and anyone else who would like to participate in the parade. Everyone is welcome to join us for Rochester’s first literacy parade,” she said.
If you’re interested in participating in the parade, email sweetsoulfoodbabies@gmail.com.
— As a Rochester native, Justice Marbury entered the world of journalism to create work where voices like hers were heard — the voices of minority communities. Marbury covers small businesses, neighborhood concerns, and the interesting people who live in Rochester’s 19th Ward. As the 19th Ward reporter, she has helped implement community outreach ideas by asking what people in various communities want to read about themselves in addition to regular news. Contact her on Instagram @justice_marbury and by email at jmarbury@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester educator, entertainer to bring literacy parade to life
Reporting by Justice Marbury, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
