Applications are now open for the fall 2026 edition of The Breedlove Readers, a book club that encourages middle and high school girls throughout Central New York to celebrate black girl stories through reading, writing, and creating.
Collaborating with the Me/We Art Studio (500 West Onondaga St., Syracuse), the book club meets in-person from 1 to 3 p.m. in both October and November. On October 3, the club’s meet and greet will include community building and a book discussion. The November 7 meeting will feature book discussion and art making. There will be a final virtual session via Zoom to close out the fall program on December 5.
The application deadline is September 1. Space is limited to 12 participants per cohort, ages 14-17, and participants must commit to attending the entire program. The program, books, and materials are free of charge; a ride-share support is available upon request; and food and snacks are provided.
Led by Syracuse University School of Education Professor Courtney Mauldin-Jones, the Breedlove Readers Book Club was formed in 2020 to combine a love of reading and artmaking with a mentorship model for young women that also explores social, political, and personal topics.
“To date we’ve had more than 10 book club cohorts that center Black girl protagonists, multi-modal writing activities, and art-making experiences led by my colleague and artist Professor Rochele Royster,” says Mauldin-Jones. “A few of our alumnae are now off to college and continue to inquire about what we are reading and doing as a community. This speaks to the kind of community we cultivate.”
For questions and to learn more about the program, email thebreedlovereaders@gmail.com or call 734.358.4611.
