A Bold New National Collaboration Launches in Augusta, GA to Elevate Literacy, Celebrate Diversity, and Ignite Creative Genius in Children

(Black PR Wire) Augusta, GA – Summer 2025 — Black Wall Street USA, a leading national movement dedicated to economic justice and community empowerment, proudly announces a groundbreaking partnership with Adroit Publishing and Education in support of the Adroit Comic Book Genius Project Initiative—a dynamic, national creative literacy campaign designed to spark imagination, improve reading skills, and nurture confidence in youth across America.

Set to launch this summer in Augusta, Georgia, the Adroit Comic Book Genius Project’s inaugural activation—“The Augusta Summer Adventure!”—is more than a city-wide event. It’s a movement. This six-week literacy and creative development campaign connects families, schools, organizations, and small businesses in an unforgettable comic-driven journey designed to inspire the minds and hearts of young readers—especially those from historically underserved communities.

A New Model for Community-Led Education and Engagement

At its core, the Adroit Comic Book Genius Project represents a new paradigm in educational outreach: one that leverages art, storytelling, and culturally resonant superheroes to reach children where they are—with stories that reflect who they are.

"Too often, our children don't see themselves in the pages they read," says Angela Harmon, founder of Adroit Publishing & Education. "Through our comics, activities, and community programming, we offer not just stories, but mirrors—reflections of the beauty, potential, and power within every child. This project is about unleashing their inner genius.”

Black Wall Street USA, renowned for its initiatives in economic empowerment, education, and historical preservation, sees the partnership as a vital opportunity to ensure that cultural legacy and future opportunity go hand-in-hand.

“Education is economic power. Reading is revolutionary. And the Adroit Genius Project is exactly the kind of bold, visionary program our children and communities need right now,” said Rev. Carl Mack, National President of Black Wall Street USA. “We are proud to partner with Adroit to help bring this transformative initiative to cities across the country—starting right here in Augusta.”

The Augusta Summer Adventure: A Model for National Expansion

Launching in July 2025, “The Augusta Summer Adventure!” is the first full-scale activation of the Adroit Comic Book Genius Project. Designed as a six-week literacy and creativity experience, the adventure will unfold through a series of interactive story-based challenges located throughout the city. Children and families will collect comic book clues, complete fun learning activities, and earn prizes while exploring local businesses, parks, and community centers.

Highlights include:

• Weekly Literacy Missions: Children will receive themed comic-style missions each week tied to reading comprehension, vocabulary, and storytelling skills.
• City-Wide Comic Scavenger Hunt: Hidden clues and collectible comic pages will be placed at participating businesses, libraries, and cultural landmarks.
• Family Literacy & Art Workshops: Local artists, authors, and educators will host community sessions to support both children and parents in building strong literacy habits and exploring artistic expression.
• Champions of Genius Events: Special events will celebrate young readers and creators with awards, performances, and guest appearances from real-life heroes—authors, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders.
• Support for Special Learning Needs: Resources and support sessions will be provided to help families of children with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences access and enjoy the world of books.

“The magic is in the mix,” explains Harmon. “This isn’t just about reading. It’s about engaging the whole family, the entire city, in a journey where children become the heroes of their own stories.”

Representation Matters: The Power of Reflective Storytelling

One of the driving forces behind the Adroit initiative is the need for greater diversity and authenticity in children’s literature. According to recent studies, less than 15% of children’s books feature Black, Indigenous, or characters of color as main protagonists. The result? Millions of children grow up without ever seeing themselves as the hero.

Adroit’s comic book universe centers diverse characters from all backgrounds—urban kids with learning challenges, curious inventors, future tech geniuses, and brave young leaders—all designed to spark self-belief and cultural pride. Through compelling visuals, fast-paced storytelling, and themes rooted in justice, imagination, and empathy, Adroit’s books inspire kids to dream big and read even bigger.

"Our superheroes don’t fly away—they rise up, face challenges, and grow," Harmon says. "Every child deserves to be the main character in a story that uplifts them."

Black Wall Street USA: Empowering the Present to Protect the Future

Founded to honor and expand the legacy of the original Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Black Wall Street USA is a national organization committed to economic justice, cultural education, and youth empowerment. Through partnerships with educators, historians, artists, and entrepreneurs, the movement works to build sustainable pathways for African American communities and allies to thrive.

Their collaboration with Adroit marks a milestone in expanding their youth development and education programming—a vital component of their 2025 vision.

“Every dollar we invest in our children’s minds returns a hundredfold to our community’s future,” said Mack. “This partnership shows what’s possible when vision meets community power.”

Bringing the Genius to Your City

While Augusta serves as the pilot city for the Genius Project, both organizations have their eyes set on national expansion. Plans are already underway to bring the initiative to other cities across the U.S., from Oakland to Atlanta, Detroit to Dallas. Local school districts, faith-based organizations, small business networks, and civic groups are invited to join the movement.

Communities interested in becoming part of the 2026 Adroit Comic Book Genius Tour can apply through a forthcoming open call, set to be announced in Fall 2025. Local organizers will receive toolkits, comic book bundles, workshop resources, and support from both Black Wall Street USA and Adroit Publishing to host their own city-wide reading adventures.

“This is a blueprint for healing, learning, and leading,” said Harmon. “We want to work with cities that believe in the genius of every child.”

Equipping Parents, Empowering Families

Beyond reaching children directly, the initiative emphasizes the vital role of families in nurturing literacy and self-expression. By offering parent workshops, take-home reading resources, and inclusive community events, the Genius Project seeks to re-center parents as champions of their children’s academic and emotional growth.

Workshops will cover:

• Strategies for reading with children at all levels
• Tools for supporting kids with learning challenges
• Creative journaling and storytelling techniques
• Mental health and emotional wellness resources for families

Each workshop is designed to create a safe, celebratory, and empowering space where families learn together and walk away with tangible tools to use at home.

"We see parents as the secret superheroes in every child’s life," said Harmon. "Our job is to equip them with the cape."

The Road Ahead: A Vision of Transformation

As the national conversation around literacy, equity, and education continues to evolve, projects like the Adroit Comic Book Genius Initiative serve as shining examples of what is possible when grassroots innovation meets systemic support.

With literacy rates still lagging in many underserved communities, and post-pandemic learning gaps continuing to widen, the need for creative, culturally-rooted education models has never been more urgent. According to a 2024 report by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, nearly 40% of fourth graders nationwide are reading below grade level—with Black and Latino students disproportionately affected.

Adroit’s approach offers more than statistics. It offers solutions rooted in joy, belonging, and imagination.

“This project doesn’t just ask children to read—it invites them to lead,” said Mack. “To lead their own stories, to lead in their communities, and to lead us all toward a more just and inspired future.”

How to Support and Get Involved

Community members, educators, local businesses, and sponsors are invited to get involved with the Adroit Comic Book Genius Project in Augusta or bring the initiative to their cities.

Ways to support include:

• Sponsoring Books or Events: Fund literacy kits, workshops, and comic book print runs.
• Becoming a Local Partner: Join as a clue host, event site, or volunteer.
• Spreading the Word: Share the project with local schools, youth organizations, or parent networks.
• Donating to the National Fund: Help support expansion into more communities.

For more information, visit www.adroitcomics.com or follow the initiative on blackwallstreet.org, Instagram and Facebook @adroitgenius.

About Adroit Publishing & Education

Adroit is a Black family-owned independent publishing and education organization committed to transforming lives through the power of reading and creative expression. With a focus on children’s literacy, diverse representation, and accessible storytelling, Adroit develops innovative programs, comics, and events that celebrate the genius in every child.

About Black Wall Street USA

Black Wall Street USA is a national organization dedicated to rebuilding and supporting Black business districts across the United States. Through advocacy, policy development, and economic initiatives, the organization aims to promote sustainable growth and economic independence within Black communities.

Join the Movement

Black Wall Street USA is more than a movement. As we embark on this transformative journey, we invite businesses, investors, community leaders, and residents to join us in shaping a prosperous future.