Episode Highlights Advocacy, Stigma Reduction, and Educational Equity – Connected to NAACP Image Award-Nominated Documentary Left Behind
Nationwide — In a compelling new episode of the Literacy Now, Together miniseries, a collaboration between Fulcrum and Parents for Reading Justice, Winifred A. Winston and LeDerick Horne (co-hosts of the acclaimed Black and Dyslexic podcast) share candid insights into the realities of dyslexia for Black children and families.
The discussion builds on the national conversation sparked by the NAACP Image Award-nominated documentary Left Behind, which follows determined mothers fighting systemic barriers to secure proper education for children with dyslexia. Sponsored by Learning Ally and screened nationwide, the film underscores the power of parent advocacy.
Winston and Horn discuss how dyslexia is frequently misunderstood or stigmatized in Black communities, where reading struggles are sometimes dismissed as laziness or lack of intelligence. They explore the unique challenges Black parents face: feeling isolated in school meetings, navigating predominantly white advocacy spaces, and the higher stakes of mislabeling.
“Many Black parents feel so alone when advocating for their children,” said Winston. “We created the Black and Dyslexic podcast to remove the stigma, share real journeys through our ‘Badass Parent’ segment, and connect families with the resources they need. Representation matters.”
Horn added: “This work is about shifting culture, expectations, and power dynamics in education so parents can turn IEPs and evaluations into true tools for success.”
The episode delivers practical advice on early intervention, the science of reading, educator training, building support networks, and authentic allyship. It emphasizes that dyslexia runs in families and that intentional supports can unlock potential, while celebrating successful dyslexic role models.
Parents for Reading Justice produces Literacy Now to give parents a strong voice in the fight for every child to learn to read.
“Every child deserves to read, and Black families need spaces that speak directly to their realities,” said [Host/Producer Name, e.g., Brett Tingley]. “This eye-opening conversation is a call to action for systemic change—echoing the parent power shown in Left Behind.”
Listen Now to the full episode featuring the Black and Dyslexic podcast co-hosts. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
For more information, visit FulcrumLiteracy.org, explore free resources at ParentsForReadingJustice.org, and learn more about Left Behind at LeftBehindtheFilm.com
About
Parents for Reading Justice empowers parents to advocate for the science of reading so every child learns to read. Their podcast Literacy Now amplifies parent voices, and all resources—including the film Our Dyslexic Children — are free because literacy is a right, not a privilege.