The Write Engagement: The Importance of Reading and Literacy

Hey #JustWrite! The conversation of reading and literacy has been heavy lately with a few teacher pages I follow on social media. As time moves forward, the less we are seeing some of the youth engaged in reading books and critical thinking. Furthermore, with the acceleration of technology advances and removal of books in certain spaces, we are once again facing a crisis within an already broken system. As you all know, during the month of March, schools across the nation celebrate Reading Across America, a day specifically set aside "to promote literacy, motivate children to read, and foster a lifelong love of reading by making it fun and accessible, encouraging kids to see themselves in books, and recognizing reading's power to open up new worlds and opportunities, often centered around Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2nd."

To take it a step further, the school system that I was educated in recently featured me in an Author's Chair Spotlight showcasing local authors on social media while also highlighting the necessity of reading and the many possibilities it brings. In additon, local businesses and residents volunteered their time reading to students. For quite some time, I've been reflecting on what I call the analog vs. digital way of living. I grew up in an era that balanced both worlds and as I have navigated through different phases of life, I'm truly thankful for the experiences that meshed the two, while also appreciating the history and struggle of those who created before our time. In present day, we can all agree that there is a huge disconnect and discomfort with our youth as it relates to information and how it's processed through literacy, researching, and comprehension. The disconnect comes from a resistance with the current generation vs. the previous generation and how the conversations and opportunities to educate are lacking. We hear all the time that the babies are not trying to hear anything the elders are saying and the elders are 'set in their ways'. What we do know is that with the current climate that we're in, there are more students graduating without the skills and concepts of analysis and comprehension of any information presented to them. There's no consistency as well as intentionality and initiative shown. It is my hope and prayer that many are waking up and looking back to the simplicity and importance of reading books and having conversations about what is read while sharing those experiences with family and friends. Yes, we have to get with the times as people say but there has to be a balance in how we engage with each other through books and technology which can be an example for the younger generations. Technology as it's always been, should be a supplement, not a replacement for brain power. Also, I encourage having those hard conversations about certain subjects that bring discomfort to the youth (historical events, i.e. slavery, politics, US history, World history, etc.) Meet students where they are and allow students to have a voice with the way they express their feelings on certain subjects. This action as we know can be well supported with writing exercises, research projects, etc. Let's get back to learning and loving the process. 

Speaking of loving the process, #JustWrite, get READy this Spring to engage even more the WRITE way as a new podcast is being launched: Open UP: You Have to Write to Tell Your Story!! This is an opportunity to join a space created for you to find your voice by "pausing, reflecting, and opening up." 

In conclusion, as we continue through the month with the Read Across America initiatives, here are some ways to celebrate:

1. Read-Aloud Sessions

2. Dress Up as a Book Character 

3. Reading Challenges

4. Create Cozy Reading Spaces

5. Book Talks and Scavenger Hunts

6. Write Your Own Story

The last one says, "write your own story." It's been 10 years (3/12/16) since our 1st Writer's workshop where we created our own story. Here's a recap from that experience. Here's to happy reading and happy writing!

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Moment in Retrospect: February 15, 2020, The Write Expressions: A Time to Love

Hello, #JustWrite!! Just like the month of February and Black History Month, this month's #BlogRewind is short and sweet. I recently shared this blog as a form of encouragement and wanted to revisit it this month as a reminder and renewed faith in what it means to love. Originally written, February 15, 2020, this blog sheds insight on the intentionality of love and how it can be expressed daily. 

That's love......

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Moment in Retrospect, January 15, 2016: Get Write or Get Left, A New Beginning

Happy 2026 #Just Write!! Whew!! These past few days of the new year have been mind-blowing already. I literally began the New Year with news of a classmate's sudden death (passed on New Year's Day) which charged me to slow down even more and continue with intentional check-ins with family and friends and also with myself after a busy month in December. Although cold and unpredictable, the month of January always symbolizes a renewal period and time to set the tone for the rest of the year and so as I grieved my classmate, the words legacy and purpose echoed throughout his homegoing service as a charge for attendees to do God's will in their life. The following day I had a phone conversation with another classmate and I expressed to her that it is my hope that people don't have to attend a funeral to know the importance of legacy, purpose, and God's will. We have time now to get the Word and get right. 

This month's blog rewind is from January 15, 2016, Get Write or Get Left: A New Beginning. During that time period, we as a group were preparing for our first Writers Workshop with the charge of staying inspired and prepared for what was to come.  The irony is that when the date was set, we didn't know that God would shift our plans later. Nonetheless, we remained rooted in helping others in their purpose and steadfast in being mission-minded. Despite what it looked like, we remained committed to our causes and callings.

As the year unfolds, let us all stay focused and committed to what God has placed within us and around us for His Kingdom. Don't lose your fire, #JustWrite! 

Ignite, Insight, Just Write!

In His Service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Moment in Retrospect, December 15, 2015, The Write Marriage: EICC and Just Write

Hey #Just Write!! Happy December and the end of the 4th Quarter of 2025!! Despite what this year has brought you and all of us, if you are reading this, two things: 1. praise God for waking you up to have a sound mind, the ability to write and comprehend and 2. thank you again for reading and supporting this content whether by sharing or commenting through the years. Here we are at the end of 2025, and I would like to close this year by taking it back to 10 years ago on December 15, 2015, as we dissected the foundational connection of Just Write to EICC (Embassy International Chamber of Commerce). This blog is one of many favorites written during the earlier days of Just Write that I often reread and reflect on at the end of the year since 2015. I will always be amazed at how the content came together, very Godly inspired and timely. Every time this particular blog is revisited, it reaffirms and reignites the purpose and intentionality of Just Write and the gift of the scribe. 

As you read, it is my hope that it will ignite and inspire your projects, prayers, and perspectives all throughout 2026 and beyond!

Happy Holidays, healing, and hope through words!

In His presence,

Lequvia Ousley

The Write Moment in Retrospect, November 15, 2020 The Write Assembling: A Time to Gather

Hey #JustWrite!! I encourage all of us to continue to contend for the faith, pray, and watch. We're in another holiday season and more intense warfare. Continue to stay on post. Check out this blog rewind from November 15, 2020, as the topic of intentional gathering is discussed. 

As we all gather in a few weeks with loved ones, let us all remember the blessings of community, compassion, and connections. May restoration and revelation flow freely this holiday season.

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Moment in Retrospect, July 15, 2022, The Write Support: Black Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Part 2

Hey #JustWrite!! Since the last blog, it has been a heavy couple of months thus far so I will just leave you all with this month's #BlogRewind from July 15, 2022 as we discussed Black Mental Health and Emotional Wellness. This was a Part 2 to an initial discussion in October 2021 regarding Dr. Rheeda Walker's book, The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health: Navigate an Unequal System, Learn Tools for Emotional Wellness, and Get the Help You Deserve.

Remember to take time for prayer, yourself,  and self-care. You Matter. We Matter. Mental Health Matters. 

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley 

The Write Moment in Retrospect: July 15, 2024, The Write Mandate, Seek, Read, and Believe the Word

Hey #JustWrite!! Here we are in September again. I don't know why this is so but for quite some time, I often feel a heaviness in my spirit whenever this month rolls around. I don't know when this feeling began but it's always intense and definitely began once I relocated after college. I sometimes struggle with adjusting to the changing of seasons from warmth to cool. I become overprotective of being outside and become proactive in making sure I don't become sick. I do know that this month also brings to remembrance a lot of heavy events for me personally and spiritually: the beginning and ending of seasons, birth and death of loved ones, and the ending of the 3rd Quarter. In a previous blog, there was a charge to pray, process, and persist despite what the season for you looks like. This month, I charge all of us to be on our post. On 9/11, a day that it's forever etched in our minds as a horrific event of lives lost and the world forever changed, I woke up to an urgent charge from a sister in Christ who posted on her Instagram timeline with the following caption: Prepare your oil lamps (Matthew 25:1-13). The first few lines read, "A few months ago, I heard the Spirit of the Lord say, "tell the people to prepare their oil lamps." That was the urgency that I was feeling once I got the news of so many events taking place back-to-back this week: shootings (school, public event, transit), HBCU campus lockdowns, racial disputes online. In the midst of a productive week and family/friend check-ins, I had no idea any of this took place until I went on social media and saw horrific videos, public statements, influencer lives, and my newsfeed commentary/opinions. If any of us are paying attention, this is happening like clockwork, every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every month, every year, every time. Don't get distracted!

This month's blog rewind is from July 15, 2024, where it encouraged readers to seek, read, and believe the Word of God.  This is a must! This is a mandate! As I stated in January, we are living under grace upon grace. As we find ourselves in a state of disbelief of where we are today or wrestling with feelings of confusion, anger, despair, despondency, I implore us all to read, meditate on scripture, and pray. We must set ourselves apart for the times we're in. 

In His service,

Lequvia Ousley