By Ahnayah Hughes, Voice & Viewpoint Staff

Born in the backyard of an Emerald Hills home, the annual Children’s Book Party has evolved into one of the most beloved events in San Diego County. This past Saturday, April 25, hundreds gathered at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion at Balboa Park for their shared love of learning and reading. 

Founder and program director, Roosevelt Brown, didn’t discover his passion for books until later in life. Growing up, a severe speech impediment prevented him from engaging in schoolwork and activities. 

“I spent all my time in class, trying to survive that day because I couldn’t speak. Later, I realized that I was not prepared for jobs because I didn’t learn anything. I did not want that to happen to any other kids,” Mr. Brown said. 

Thus, a lifelong mission for literacy advocacy and learning was born. Originally aimed at encouraging children directly in the neighborhood to read, the Book Party has grown into a cornerstone of community outreach and learning. This Saturday, thousands of books were passed out to kids of all ages. 10 bus loads of children from the San Diego Unified School District browsed through the selections to build their own personal libraries.

“One thing that really sticks out is the expression on the kids’ faces when they discover a book they love. Sometimes they just grab a book and hug it,” Mr. Brown shared.

This event was not just a book party; it was also a cultural celebration of community and diversity. Student dancers from Dance Speaks and Ballet Folklorico en Aztlan took the stage for modern dance and ballet performances. Snacks and complimentary goods were offered along with the reading treasure.

A true family affair, the Book Party was put on with the help of Mr. Brown’s children and grandchildren. His son JaMarr Brown kept the energy high as the event’s emcee. 

His granddaughter took the stage and reflected on the legacy she inherited:

“Looking back, that is exactly why I am who I am today. My family really focused on pushing us to stay curious, stay educated, to grow, to learn. And that’s why I have the confidence to come up here, to speak, to leave home, to travel around the world. That’s all because of my family, and it stemmed from the book program.”

When asked what he looked forward to in the Book Party’s future, Mr. Brown recounted something the late San Diego activist and community leader, Robert Tambuzi, told him in the early days of the event:

“As long as you’re passing out books to kids, The Book Party can’t get any better or any worse.”

Mr. Brown, at 83 years old, is still taking classes at SDSU, UCSD and Stanford, and doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon.

“My motivation will only get stronger. It won’t ever change, but my health will. Even if my legs won’t be working, my mind will. I’ll be passing out books ‘til the sun sets on me.”

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