More Than Reading.
Black Men Read was created to strengthen literacy, mentorship, and community through the power of representation, relationship-building, and consistent engagement.
OUR WHY
More Than Reading.
Building Lasting Impact.
For co-founder Keyon Watkins, the work started with a simple idea: showing up consistently for young people matters.
What began with classroom readings has grown into a community-centered movement that supports students through literacy engagement, tutoring, mentorship, and wellness-focused conversation.
Reading Grade Level Improvement
Students Engaged in Literacy Annually
Books Distributed to Students in 2025
Programs & Initiatives Serving Youth & Adults
Early literacy support can shape confidence, academic growth, and long-term opportunity.
Visibility can influence confidence, connection, and belief in what’s possible.
Students with mentors often show stronger school engagement.
Students struggling to read by 3rd grade often face long-term academic challenges.
Strong literacy skills support success across every academic subject.
Access to relatable stories and representation changes outcomes.
MEET THE CO-FOUNDER & CEO
Rooted in Community. Driven by Literacy.
Keyon Watkins is a community leader, entrepreneur, and literacy advocate dedicated to transforming outcomes for children through literacy, mentorship, and representation. Born and raised in North St. Louis, Keyon understands the impact that access, opportunity, and environment can have on a child’s future, a reality that inspired him to co-found Black Men Read.
READ MORE
Through Black Men Read, Keyon has helped build a movement focused on increasing literacy engagement by connecting children with books, research-based reading support, and positive Black male role models in schools and communities across St. Louis. Under his leadership, the organization has conducted thousands of literacy engagements, expanded access to books, and implemented Science of Reading-aligned tutoring programs designed to help children grow in both skill and confidence.
What began as a virtual book club among friends evolved into a deeper mission rooted in community responsibility, healing, and legacy following the loss of Keyon’s brother, Damon, in 2022. Today, that purpose continues to drive the work of ensuring children not only learn to read, but believe in their potential.
In addition to his nonprofit work, Keyon is also the founder of Sauce So Good, where he combines entrepreneurship, culture, and education through youth-centered programming.
Keyon believes literacy is liberation — and that investing in children today can help transform entire communities tomorrow.
Media Features
STLPR FEATURE
How a St. Louis nonprofit is trying to boost Black children’s literacy rates through representation
THE 74 MILLION FEATURE
How One St. Louis Literacy Org Helps Black Students Become Proficient Readers
ST. LOUIS AMERICAN FEATURE
Black men are changing the game in literacy
PBS FEATURE
St. Louis NAACP files civil rights complaint over low literacy rates among Black students
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