2026 Dyslexia Awareness Fundraiser
Our 2026 Dyslexia Awareness Fundraiser, held on February 26, 2026, was a powerful evening focused on improving literacy for children who struggle to learn to read. Ameer Baraka headlined the event as the keynote speaker. Ameer, an Emmy-nominated actor, author, and dyslexia advocate, learned to read as an adult while in prison and shared his inspiring story of overcoming illiteracy. Here are some photos from the event, which was our most successful fundraiser to date.
Exciting media coverage leading up to the fundraiser included a feature on Daytime Chicago highlighting Ameer Baraka (click here). You can also watch this Fox 32 Chicago interview (click here) with keynote speaker Ameer Baraka and Everyone Reading Illinois Co-President Shira Schwartz, where Ameer shared his story and helped raise awareness about dyslexia and the fundraiser.
