Barbershop Libraries: Closing the Achievement Gap in African American Literacy

Abstract

Making literature available to all students outside the classroom is paramount in fostering lifelong literacy skills. This thesis project researched the educational challenges middle school-aged African American males faced with literacy and school achievement and what they needed from the community to succeed. The research was then used to create a guide for communities to implement literacy opportunities in settings of cultural and communal significance of middle school-aged African American males. The guide included data and educational research to illustrate the need to close the achievement gap of African American males, interviews of community members and experts, and a framework to build libraries in barbershops and other settings of importance and access. The research provided a framework for communities that are interested in creating space for literature to support underserved populaces. A comprehensive list of resources is also included, should a business or group be interested in implementing this project in the future.