Looking at her accomplishments, it seems that there is little Jurema Gorham can’t do, from being a mompreneur and educator to a non-profit founder, Ph.D candidate, holder of a couple fellowships, and beyond. However, her dedication to advancing not only her personal expertise but the skill sets and experiences of many others is debatably her best attribute.
Jurema quit her 15+ year career as a transformative educational leader in Pre-K to 12th grade to follow and found her dream in – the non-profit Burst Into Books. This remarkable organization has been on a mission in Chicago since 2018 to provide culturally relevant enrichment opportunities and support the community through access to various resources. Jurema is a vital part of advancing youth literacy and promoting Black excellence among many underserved neighborhoods where the children need it most. The nonprofit has positively impacted over 3,000 children on Chicago’s South Side by way of diverse authors, books & storytellers and encouraging young readers to discover books, share stories, explore dialogue, and have fun!
Kids who read regularly develop stronger language skills, a larger vocabulary, and higher cognitive abilities compared to those who do not read. In 2021, the National Assessment of Educational Progress found that only about 37% of high school seniors were proficient or advanced in reading. Burst into Books is a shining symbol of hope to improve shocking statistics like this by getting children interested and excited about reading at an early age. Jurema has done an excellent job of creating brave spaces where families have access to possibilities that will enhance their futures, from literary festivals and family events to writing workshops, book distributions, and online workshops.
As a 2023 Obama Leaders USA Fellow, known as changemakers who inspire and accelerate positive change, it is no surprise that Jurema has emerged as such a phenomenal civic leader. She has dedicated herself to rebuilding communities through the arts, advocacy, and family and educational programs. Her tireless work of championing inclusion and representation has done an excellent job cultivating spaces for black and brown children to thrive.
Opening a new book is like opening a new world of limitless potential where diverse people and ideas can flourish. Let’s mirror Jurema’s vision in empowering future generations through inclusive initiatives and growth! By promoting youth literacy and investing in organizations like Bust into Books, we can equip children with the tools to navigate a broader landscape of options to a vast and vibrant world beyond their everyday surroundings.
Remember: No matter how busy life may get, ALWAYS make time to read!
