South Stockton students got a star-powered boost of encouragement, imagination, and self-confidence as Vice Mayor Jason Lee teamed up with award-winning actress, comedian, and author Tiffany Haddish for a Read Across America celebration centered on one simple idea: every child belongs—and every child’s story matters.
Throughout the day, Lee and Haddish visited local campuses to share Haddish’s children’s book, “Layla, The Last Black Unicorn,” a heartfelt story about a one-of-a-kind Black unicorn who struggles to fit in at school—until she discovers that what makes her different is also what makes her powerful. For many students, the message landed instantly: being unique isn’t something to hide; it’s something to celebrate.
Vice Mayor Lee visited August Knodt Elementary School in Weston Ranch, while Haddish read to students at Aspire Secondary Academy in Sierra Vista. In classrooms filled with curiosity and excited smiles, students listened closely, jumped into discussions, and asked thoughtful questions—turning a book reading into a genuine moment of connection.
“In a time when so many of our children are navigating identity and belonging, stories like Layla remind them that being different is not a weakness — it’s a superpower,” Vice Mayor Lee said. “When we put books in a child’s hands, we put possibility in their future.”
After the school visits, the literacy push continued beyond campus walls. Lee and Haddish delivered books to three key community hubs—Van Buren Library, Maya Angelou Library, and Weston Ranch Library—helping ensure students and families can keep reading, learning, and exploring long after the assemblies end.
Haddish, known for her comedic talent and larger-than-life presence, brought a more personal message to Stockton’s youth: dream boldly, embrace creativity, and never let anyone convince you that you don’t belong. Students responded with energy and ambition—sharing hopes of becoming doctors, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and future community leaders.
Educators and administrators expressed gratitude for the visits, emphasizing how meaningful it is for students to see influential public figures invest time and attention in their growth—especially when the focus is literacy, representation, and access to resources that can shape a child’s confidence and academic path.
By day’s end, the message across South Stockton was clear: literacy is more than reading—it’s empowerment. And when community leaders show up with books, encouragement, and real engagement, it reinforces a powerful belief Stockton continues to build on: our future is brighter when our kids are inspired to read, imagine, and lead.
Photos courtesy of Hollywood Unlocked.