For Reading Captain Jazmine Taylor, literacy is about legacy
In Philly, it’s often the neighbors who get things done. The ones who see a gap and fill it, who show up not because someone told them to, but because that’s just what you do. That’s the spirit behind Reading Captains, local volunteers planting seeds of literacy in their own communities by sharing tips and resources with parents and caregivers.
Meet Jazmine Taylor. She’s everywhere: North Philly, the Zoo, rec centers, community events. She’s the kind of person whose warm smile and calm presence brighten every room. But her story isn’t just about showing up. It’s about resilience and a deep love for the futures of Philly kids.
Q: For those who don’t know you, can you introduce yourself?
A: Hi, my name is Jazmine Taylor. I’m a Reading Captain in all regions. I usually spend time in North Philly, but I like to go wherever I can to help out children.
Q: How long have you been a Reading Captain?
A: I’ve been a Reading Captain for about three years. I do it because I like helping children in need and encouraging parents to get involved.
Sometimes a child struggles with reading not because they don’t want to read, but because they need to learn in a different way.
Q: Why did you decide literacy was the cause you wanted to champion?
A: Because I was that kid who didn’t know how to read. I had to figure out a different way. I don’t want another child to feel left behind the way I did.
Parents are the first teachers. We have to make sure our kids are on track, reaching their reading level, and setting themselves up to graduate.
Q: Finish this sentence: Literacy is important because…
A: Literacy is important because our kids are our legacy. They’re the next generation that will teach others to read. More readers means more goals achieved, more businesses started, more success for Philly. When kids can read, schools can thrive, and resources flow into our communities.
Q: What’s one of your favorite memories as a Reading Captain?
A: Definitely some of the bigger Reading Captain events. The ones at the zoo are the best! The kids get so excited, even toddlers light up when they hold a little book in their hands.
And it’s not just the kids, the parents love it too. Sometimes they see a book they haven’t read since they were young, and I tell them, “Go ahead, read it! Don’t judge yourself. You can dream too!” When parents are excited about reading, their kids follow. That’s my favorite memory: seeing the smiles on both kids and parents.
Q: How do parents respond when you’re out in the community?
A: Parents are very open. Some ask for more books, especially autism and disability books, so their kids can feel included. Representation matters! Kids want to see themselves in stories. I’d love for funders, City Council, and others to help us get more of those books into families’ hands.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A: I’m also the CEO of Building a Beautiful Legacy. I support youth with autism and disabilities. To me, being a Reading Captain connects with that work. Just because a child doesn’t talk or read the “usual” way doesn’t mean they aren’t brilliant. They could be the next artist or even the next president!
From Lived Experience to Lasting Impact
Jazmine is proof that leadership doesn’t just come from titles. It comes from lived experience and the courage to turn that into fuel for change. She’s not just handing out books, she’s showing families what’s possible, using her story to connect on a personal level, and reminding us all that literacy is the root of opportunity.
Want to do the same? Become a Reading Captain! Because if Philly’s future is built on readers, then it’s neighbors like Jazmine who are laying the foundation.
