Twenty-four percent of adults in the Baton Rouge area probably can’t locate an intersection on a street map, according to the Web site for Literacy Works, a Baton Rouge organization focused on raising adult literacy rates. This is a statistic that Literacy Works is trying to change – and it got closer with the help of The Michael Foster Project at the Musical Genius Benefit Concert on Thursday. The money raised at the benefit will go toward providing basic literacy services in the Baton Rouge area, said Sherreta Harrison, Literacy Works program coordinator. This includes, but is not limited to, basic reading and writing classes for adults, pre-GED classes and classes that teach life skills, social skills, consumerism and employability skills. Harrison said adult literacy is not an issue people want to talk about. “No one likes to think that there are adults out there in the workplace making decisions that can’t function at a basic reading level,” Harrison said. Literacy Works was founded in Baton Rouge in 1996 and today serves over 300 adults in the area. Its mission is to help increase the quality of life by providing basic literacy services for those who need help in achieving self-sufficiency, Harrison said. “The traditional school system is not designed in a way that it can tackle individual limitations,” Harrison said. She said because of this, many people can graduate high school without the ability to read. University students who attended the fundraiser said they went not only to enjoy the great music but also to support a good cause. “I really think that people need to help other people no matter what,” said Justin Paul, theatre freshman. Others went to raise awareness about adult literacy. “I think that people need to be more aware that adult literacy rates are an issue, especially in Louisiana, regardless of race, class, gender or education level,” said Mimie Laurant, theatre sophomore. The fundraiser, which was held at Avoyelles downtown, featured the local five-piece brass band playing original music and old favorites. The band played two sets and encouraged people to “drink for a cause.” Harrison said the band was chosen because Literacy Works’ board of directors loved the band’s sound. “I had heard them several times before and enjoyed their shows tremendously,” Harrison said. “We also know they have a significant following around Baton Rouge, and we thought it would be a good way to expose a different audience to their music.”
—-Contact Sarah Aycock at [email protected]