A township pastor and personal trainer will be among the honorees July 7 at the New York City Housing Authority branch of the NAACP’s “Just R.E.A.D.” awards in New York City.
The Rev. Kahll Carmichael, founder and pastor of It Is Well Living Church, 2 John F. Kennedy Blvd., a certified personal trainer and author of the book, “The Fitness Doctor Tips of the Day. 50 Tips to a better you,” will receive his award at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Each year the New York City Housing Authority branch of the NAACP presents Just R.E.A.D. awards to those who have exhibited excellence and commitment to literacy in their respective communities, according to a press release about the award.
“I was very surprised to be nominated for this award,” Carmichael said in the release. “When I received more information concerning the award and how being nominated would offer me an opportunity to serve my community, surprise gave way to an immense feeling of gratitude. What an honor! My prayer is simply that God be glorified in this awesome event.”
According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, two-thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of 4th Grade will end up in jail or on welfare. Statistics also show that more than 70 percent of America’s inmates are not able to read above a 4th Grade level. The Just R.E.A.D. project, which stands for Recognize Education Achieves Destiny, is designed to expand the understanding of what literacy means today, according to the release.
According to the organization, literacy not only involves competency in reading and writing, but also goes beyond this to include the critical and effective use of words in peoples’ lives, and the use of language for all purposes.
Carmichael is also CEO of The Fitness Doctor Inc., located in Somerset.