Readers React: How the first lady can fight poverty

To the editor: President Obama’s “private-sector program to promote opportunities for men and boys of color” is laudatory. (“Obama unveils program to help young men and boys of color to succeed,” May 4)

However, after listening to the expressions of despair in Baltimore, I think someone of the stature of First Lady Michelle Obama could perform a great service to the nation by encouraging parents to read to their children as a way to break the cycle of poverty. She could establish a “Reading with Michelle” program in which she works with groups of parents to teach them how to read to their children.

Research has demonstrated a correlation between reading in the home and student success in the classroom. Michelle Obama could become a historic first lady by spearheading a campaign to encourage support for educational success within the home.

David Overly, Glendora

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