Nationwide — Clarice Jackson, a nationally recognized literacy advocate, educational leader, and founder of the Black Literacy Matters® Conference 2027, is calling on the NAACP and Decoding Dyslexia to work together to address what she describes as a literacy crisis affecting thousands of children with dyslexia and reading difficulties. Her message is the focus of a new episode of the Literacy Now Together podcast, where she advocates for greater collaboration between the nation’s leading civil rights organization and one of the country’s most influential grassroots dyslexia awareness movements.
In the episode, Jackson joins literacy leaders Kareem Weaver, featured in the acclaimed documentary The Right to Read and the NAACP Image Award-nominated film Left Behind, and Brett Tingley of Parents for Reading Justice. Together, they discuss the challenges facing students who struggle with reading, the importance of evidence-based literacy instruction, and the opportunity for the NAACP and Decoding Dyslexia to unite around a common mission: ensuring every child has access to effective reading instruction.
Jackson’s commitment to literacy advocacy began with a life-changing personal experience. At age 19, she became the legal guardian of a young girl with severe dyslexia who was unable to read simple words. Determined to help, she immersed herself in special education law and structured literacy practices. Within a year, the child’s reading abilities dramatically improved, inspiring Jackson to dedicate her life to helping other families facing similar challenges.
Over the past three decades, Jackson has become one of the nation’s leading voices on literacy and dyslexia awareness. In 2012, she founded The Voice Advocacy Center (VAC), an organization dedicated to literacy screening, structured literacy tutoring, and parent advocacy. Through VAC, she has helped children and adults with dyslexia while guiding families and educators toward evidence-based reading interventions that improve student outcomes.
Her advocacy has also influenced public policy and educational reform. In 2014, Jackson authored and advanced the NAACP National Dyslexia Resolution, which passed unanimously and helped elevate national awareness of the instructional needs of students with dyslexia. The effort contributed to broader conversations about literacy and educational equity while laying the groundwork for future collaboration between civil rights organizations and literacy advocates.
Jackson’s work has recently entered the academic record with the publication of two scholarly articles in the Spring 2026 edition of The Midwest Quarterly (Volume 67, No. 3), a special issue focused on dyslexia and reading failure. The articles, “Literacy as Exodus: The Reconstruction Literacy Paradox and the Collapse of Educational Will” and “Why Black Literacy Still Matters: History, Evidence, and the Case for Targeted Literacy Action,” introduce what she calls the “Reconstruction Literacy Paradox,” a framework designed to examine institutional accountability and persistent literacy disparities.
The podcast episode also reflects on the cultural impact of The Cosby Show, which introduced dyslexia to many Black households through the character Theo Huxtable. Participants discuss how public awareness, community advocacy, and educational reform can work together to improve literacy outcomes. The conversation highlights the successful 2019 California NAACP Dyslexia Resolution, authored by the Oakland branch and supported by Decoding Dyslexia California, as a model for how the NAACP and Decoding Dyslexia can work together to advance literacy initiatives and support students with dyslexia.
Throughout the discussion, Jackson emphasizes that parents remain one of the most powerful yet underutilized resources in literacy advocacy. Weaver reinforces that point, noting that meaningful progress requires cooperation among adults and organizations committed to helping children succeed. Together, they encourage NAACP branches and Decoding Dyslexia chapters across the country to build partnerships focused on implementation, teacher training, literacy awareness, and evidence-based reading instruction.
The conversation also highlights Jackson’s upcoming Black Literacy Matters® Conference 2027, a national professional learning event that brings together educators, researchers, parents, advocates, and policymakers to explore structured literacy, the science of reading, dyslexia-informed practices, and effective intervention strategies. Dates and location are expected to be announced soon.
For the latest information about her upcoming Black Literacy Matters® Conference in 2027, visit BlackLiteracyMatters.org
About Clarice Jackson
Clarice is a nationally recognized literacy advocate, educational leader, and conference convener with more than 30 years of experience advancing evidence-based literacy instruction, dyslexia awareness, and educator capacity building. Her work focuses on improving literacy outcomes for students who have been historically underserved due to disability, instructional gaps, or limited access to effective reading instruction.
She is the founder of The Voice Advocacy Center, Decoding Dyslexia Nebraska, and the Black Literacy Matters® Conference. Jackson currently serves as a Commissioner on the Nebraska Commission on African American Affairs with a focus on education, a member of the Omaha Public Library Board, a member of the International Dyslexia Association’s 2025 Definition Steering Committee, Co-Chair of the IDA Parent, Family & Legal Advocacy Subcommittee, and a member of the 95% Group Educational Leadership Council.
Her leadership and advocacy have earned numerous honors, including the 2024 Dick Holland Literacy Advocate Award, the College of Saint Mary Women’s History “Her Story” Award, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Education Reform Award, the NAACP Freedom Fighter Service Award, and the Malcolm X Foundation Award.
About Decoding Dyslexia
Decoding Dyslexia is a grassroots, parent-led movement dedicated to raising awareness about dyslexia, promoting early identification and intervention, supporting evidence-based literacy instruction, and empowering families of struggling readers. Operating through state chapters across the United States, Decoding Dyslexia works with educators, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders to improve educational outcomes for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. The organization has played a key role in advancing dyslexia-related legislation, educator training, and public awareness efforts nationwide.
About the Literacy Now Together Podcast
Literacy Now Together is a collaborative podcast miniseries produced by FULCRUM and Parents for Reading Justice. The series empowers parents, educators, and communities to advocate for the science of reading and effective literacy instruction so that every child has the opportunity to become a successful reader. All resources are provided free of charge because literacy is a fundamental right, not a privilege. To watch the episode featuring Clarice Jackson, visit YouTube.com/watch?v=cUB17SvjBYA
For press inquiries, contact Kareem Weaver, Fulcrum at info@fulcrumliteracy.org