National Black Literacy Day

National Black Literacy Day is observed annually on February 14, a date chosen to honor the legacy of Frederick Douglass and to promote the power of reading within Black communities. In 2026, it falls on February 14. The holiday serves as a call to action to address the literacy gap, support Black-owned bookstores, and celebrate literature that reflects the Black experience. By coinciding with Valentine’s Day, the day aims to shift the focus toward a “radical love” for community, education, and the preservation of Black history.

History of National Black Literacy Day

The holiday was founded in 2021 by D.L. Mullen, the owner of Semicolon Bookstore in Chicago—the city’s only Black woman-owned bookstore. Mullen established the day in response to the widening educational gap and the impact of school closures on students in underrepresented areas. She envisioned a dedicated time to champion the idea that “Literacy is Freedom” and that “Reading is a Revolutionary Act,” harkening back to a time in American history when Black literacy was legally prohibited.

The choice of February 14 is deeply significant. It is the chosen birthday of Frederick Douglass, the famed abolitionist, orator, and author who taught himself to read while enslaved. Douglass famously stated, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free,” a sentiment that forms the backbone of the holiday. By placing the observance during Black History Month, Mullen connected the modern struggle for educational equity with the long tradition of Douglass Day celebrations, which have been a cornerstone of Black community activism since the late 19th century.

Why is National Black Literacy Day important?

This day is vital because it addresses the systemic literacy gap caused by centuries of educational disenfranchisement and historical “anti-literacy” laws. Studies show that children who read proficiently by the third grade have significantly higher high school graduation rates, yet students in many marginalized communities still lack access to high-quality, culturally relevant reading materials. National Black Literacy Day highlights that literacy is not just a school skill, but a tool for economic empowerment, civic engagement, and self-determination.

The observance also emphasizes the importance of representation in literature. When Black children see themselves as the protagonists of stories and learn from the achievements of Black authors, it fosters a stronger sense of identity and a lifelong love of learning. Furthermore, the day supports the survival of Black-owned bookstores, which serve as essential cultural hubs and safe spaces for intellectual exploration. By promoting “Reading as a Revolutionary Act,” the holiday encourages a proactive approach to reclaiming narratives and ensuring that Black history is accessible to all.

• Literacy was historically criminalized to prevent the marginalized from organizing.
• The day honors Frederick Douglass, who viewed reading as the path to liberation.
• It addresses current racial disparities in reading proficiency and graduation rates.
• Supporting Black-owned bookstores helps sustain vital community cultural assets.
• Representation in books is linked to higher self-esteem and academic success for youth.

How to Celebrate National Black Literacy Day

Celebrating involves active participation in reading, sharing, and supporting Black literature. The most direct way to observe the day is to purchase books from a Black-owned bookstore or to request titles by Black authors at your local library. Many people celebrate by hosting “Read-Ins” or book club discussions that center on Black history, poetry, or contemporary fiction. Since it falls on Valentine’s Day, some participants exchange books instead of traditional gifts, sharing their “love for reading” with friends and family.

Donation and volunteerism are also key components of the holiday. You can celebrate by “clearing the shelves” of a local classroom through a donation or by contributing to organizations that provide free books to children in underprivileged neighborhoods. Educators often use the day to introduce students to the works of Frederick Douglass or to host storytelling sessions featuring Black characters. Digital advocacy—sharing your current read or a list of your favorite Black authors using the official hashtag—helps spread the movement’s message of empowerment to a wider global audience.

• Buy Black
  Purchase your next book from a Black-owned independent bookstore.
• Read Black
  Commit to reading a book by a Black author or a biography of a Black leader.
• Donate
  Give books or funds to literacy programs that serve marginalized communities.
• Volunteer
  Sign up to read to children at a local school or community center.
• Celebrate Douglass
  Host a “Douglass Day” event to transcribe or discuss historical Black texts.

National Black Literacy Day Dates Table