As I reflect on my 82 years of life, filled with service, leadership, and faith, I am reminded of the many paths I have traveled, both literally and figuratively. My journey has taken me across the globe—from the bustling streets of America to the serene landscapes of Africa, the historic cities of Europe, and the dynamic cultures of Asia. Yet, no matter how far I have ventured, I always find myself returning to the roots of my journey, a journey that began not in a grand cathedral or on an international stage, but in the quiet, hallowed halls of a library.

I was just 18 years old when I took my first significant step into the world of work, accepting a position as a library assistant at the historic Enoch Pratt Free Library’s St. Paul branch. Little did I know that this would be the first chapter in a life dedicated to service, education, and empowerment.

The library, now known as the Village Learning Place, was more than just a repository of books; it was a sanctuary for knowledge, a beacon of light in a world that often felt overwhelming for a young woman of color navigating the complexities of 1950s America. The St. Paul branch was a place where I learned the power of literacy—the ability to read, to understand, to question, and to grow. It was here that I began to appreciate the profound impact that access to knowledge can have on an individual, a community, and indeed, the world.

In those early days, my responsibilities were humble: shelving books, assisting patrons, and maintaining the quiet order of the library. But every day was a lesson in humility, patience, and the transformative power of education. I witnessed firsthand how a single book could change a life—how it could ignite curiosity in a young child, offer solace to someone in distress, or inspire a new perspective in a seasoned scholar. It was in these moments that I understood that literacy is not merely the ability to read words on a page, but the capacity to unlock the vast potential within each of us.

As I moved on from the library, my career took many unexpected turns. I was called to lead, to serve, and to advocate for women across the globe as the National President of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. In this role, I had the privilege of leading over 100,000 women in missions of faith, education, and social justice across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Yet, no matter how far my travels took me, the lessons I learned as a young library assistant remained with me.

As we celebrate National Literacy Month, I encourage us all to remember the power of literacy in our own lives. Let us reflect on the ways in which access to books, to knowledge, and to education has shaped who we are and who we aspire to be. And let us continue to support the institutions, like the Village Learning Place, that serve as gateways to these vital resources.