MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | “Leaders Are Readers” Event in Saint Paul to Promote Literacy, Leadership, and Youth Engagement Through Literature

ST. PAUL, MN (May 16, 2026) A community-centered literacy event aimed at encouraging youth development through reading and storytelling is scheduled to take place next month in Saint Paul, bringing together families, children, and local leaders for an afternoon focused on education, imagination, and empowerment.

“Leaders Are Readers,” presented by Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute (PPGJLI), will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the JK Movement/Jimmy Lee Recreation Center, located at 1063 Iglehart Avenue in Saint Paul.

The free event will feature author Bianca Dawkins and will include a guest read-aloud session, interactive literacy engagement, and a free book giveaway for participating youth and families.

According to event organizers, the program is designed to help foster leadership skills and strengthen reading habits among children through storytelling and community engagement. The initiative also seeks to encourage confidence, creativity, and educational curiosity among young readers.

The featured book highlighted in promotional materials is Jaheem’s First Juneteenth by Zephaniah Martin, a children’s book centered on family, culture, and the historical significance of Juneteenth. The event comes ahead of national Juneteenth observances later in June and aligns with broader community efforts to increase culturally relevant literacy opportunities for young people.

Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, commonly known as PPGJLI, is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization focused on literacy, leadership development, and social justice education. The organization has been active in promoting diverse books, educational access, and youth empowerment initiatives throughout Minnesota and beyond.

Organizers say the June 6 gathering is intended not only as a reading event, but also as an opportunity to create meaningful community connections while encouraging children to see literacy as a pathway to leadership and personal growth.

The Jimmy Lee Recreation Center, named after the late Saint Paul civil rights leader and community advocate Jimmy Lee, has long served as a gathering space for civic, educational, and youth-focused programming within the city.

Admission to the event is free and open to the public.

Additional information about the event and the hosting organization is available through Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute at:
Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute

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