When we talk about literacy, we're not just talking about reading words on a page. We're talking about reading the world: understanding contracts, navigating financial systems, and building the kind of knowledge that gets passed down from generation to generation. At The Competitive Readers Coalition (CRC), we've always believed that literacy is the foundation for everything. And now, through our partnership with Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU), we're expanding that foundat

Professor Antonio says: "Your lexicon is your superpower. The more words you own, the more of the world you can claim." The Word That Holds All the Words Let's talk about the most powerful tool you carry with you everywhere: your lexicon . Pronunciation: LEK-sih-kon What it means: The vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge. Simply put, your lexicon is your personal word-bank: every single word you know, understand, and can use. Here's the thing about you

Your Words Are Your Power Every leader, every changemaker, every young man who steps confidently into his future carries one essential tool: his words . Welcome to Day 7 of CRC's Word of the Day series: and today, we're wrapping up our first week with a word that holds all the others together. A word that represents the foundation of communication, expression, and identity itself. Today's word? Lexicon. If you've been following along this week, you've added erudition , acum

What if we told you that ten minutes of your time could spark a lifetime of confidence in a young boy? That your voice, yes, your voice, could be the catalyst that transforms how a child sees himself, his future, and his place in this world? Welcome to the "Read With Me" initiative, a transformative volunteer opportunity brought to you by The Competitive Readers Coalition (CRC). We're calling on community members throughout St. Petersburg, FL and Pinellas County to join us

Pronunciation: mag-nuh-NIM-ih-tee What it means: Being generous, forgiving, and big-hearted: especially toward someone you've defeated or who's done you wrong. Use it: "A great leader shows magnanimity by staying humble even when they win." Why This Word Matters for Our Sons Picture this: Your son just won the spelling bee. He's standing at the front of the room, trophy in hand, grinning from ear to ear. The kid who came in second is sitting in the front row, eyes down,

Welcome Back to the CRC Word of the Day Series Today's word isn't just about vocabulary: it's about character. It's about the kind of leader your son can become when he understands that true strength doesn't come from domination, but from generosity of spirit. Say it with us: Magnanimity. This is Day 6 of our Word of the Day series, and Professor Antonio is suited up for this one. Why the suit? Because magnanimity is boardroom energy. It's the quiet confidence of a man who d

When we talk about literacy, we're not just talking about reading words on a page. We're talking about reading the world: understanding contracts, navigating financial systems, and building the kind of knowledge that gets passed down from generation to generation. At The Competitive Readers Coalition (CRC), we've always believed that literacy is the foundation for everything. And now, through our partnership with Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU), we're expanding that foundat

Welcome back to CRC's Word of the Day series! Today, Professor Antonio is rocking his barber cape: and for good reason. This word lives and breathes in the barbershop, in our neighborhoods, and in every handshake between community members who show up for each other. Let's dive in. The Word: Reciprocity Pronunciation: reh-sih-PROSS-ih-tee Part of Speech: Noun Quick Meaning: The practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit: when you give, you receive; when

What if the secret to raising confident, literate young men isn't found in a classroom or a textbook, but in the everyday exchanges we have with each other? What if the real magic happens when we give, receive, and give again? Welcome back to CRC's Word of the Day series, where Professor Antonio breaks down one elevated word each day to help our sons (and their families) build a powerful lexicon. Today's word sits at the heart of everything we do at The Competitive Readers C

What if the key to unlocking your son's reading potential wasn't in a classroom, but in the chair at your local barbershop? It sounds unconventional, but across St. Petersburg, FL and Pinellas County, something remarkable is happening. Boys who once struggled to pick up a book are now eagerly reading aloud between clips and fades. Young men who never saw themselves as "readers" are discovering a new identity: one page at a time. Welcome to the transformative world of barbersh

Every boy deserves to be surrounded by men who see his brilliance, speak life into him, and help him build the skills that open doors. In Pinellas County, one of the most vibrant places where that happens isn’t a classroom or an office—it’s the barbershop. The clippers hum, the jokes land, the mentors show up, and in the middle of it all, books become normal. At The Competitive Readers Coalition (CRC), we believe literacy is bigger than grades. Literacy is confidence. Literac

Pronunciation: suh-GASS-ih-tee What it means: The quality of being wise and showing good judgment. Use it in a sentence: "The barbershop is a place where sagacity is passed down from one generation to the next." Welcome Back to Word of the Day with Professor Antonio Pull up a chair. Today, Professor Antonio is rocking the barber cape: and that's no accident. See, today's word lives in the barbershop. It sits in the chair next to you while you wait your turn. It's in the

📣 Word of the Day: SAGACITY Pronunciation: suh-GAS-i-tee Part of Speech: Noun What Does Sagacity Mean? Sagacity is wisdom built from experience : the kind of good sense and sharp judgment that comes from listening, learning, and living life with your eyes wide open. It's not just about being smart. Sagacity is deeper than that. It's the ability to see situations clearly, separate truth from noise, and make sound decisions even when the path forward isn't obvious. Think

There's something powerful that happens when a young boy walks into a barbershop. The hum of clippers, the laughter between chairs, the stories passed down from generation to generation, it's more than just a place to get a fresh cut. For many families in St. Petersburg, FL, and across Pinellas County, the barbershop represents one of the most trusted community spaces in existence. And what if we told you that this very space could be the key to unlocking your son's reading p

Welcome to CRC's Word of the Day Series Every word you learn is a tool. Every tool you master is power you own. At The Competitive Readers Coalition, we believe that building a strong vocabulary isn't just about acing tests or sounding impressive, it's about equipping our sons with the language to express their brilliance, advocate for themselves, and lead with confidence. That's why we're launching our Word of the Day series: daily deep-dives into elevated words that build

Welcome to CRC's Word of the Day series! Every day this week, Professor Antonio is bringing you one powerful word to add to your family's lexicon. These aren't just vocabulary words: they're identity builders. Words that help our sons see themselves as readers, leaders, and lifelong learners. Let's dive into today's word. Today's Word: Erudition Pronunciation: air-yoo-DISH-un What it means: Deep knowledge gained through learning and study. Use it in a sentence: "Building

Every boy deserves a corner of the world that tells him, “You belong here.” In Pinellas and across Florida, creating a dedicated reading space at home can be a transformative way to protect boys’ brilliance, strengthen confidence, and keep curiosity alive in a world that doesn’t always make room for it. And the urgency is real—but empowering: nationally, only 31% of U.S. 4th graders scored at or above “proficient” in reading (NAEP). That’s not a reason to panic; it’s a clear

POW! BAM! WHOOSH! Every young man deserves a future where he can name his gifts, speak up for himself, and read the world with confidence. For Black boys in Pinellas County and across Florida, that kind of literacy isn’t just academic—it’s protective, empowering, and deeply connected to how they navigate school, friendships, and the choices that keep doors open. What if we told you that transforming your son into a confident reader doesn’t require hours of homework battles or

Reading doesn't happen in isolation. It grows through modeling and shared experience. When a child sees an adult pick up a book, whether it's a parent at home, a mentor in a community center, or a barber in their neighborhood shop, something remarkable clicks. Reading transforms from a school assignment into a life skill, a connection point, and a habit worth keeping. That's exactly why the Competitive Readers Coalition launched the "Read With Me" initiative . We're inviting

Every parent wants to see their child thrive in school, and understanding how your child is progressing in reading is one of the most empowering things you can do. If you're a parent in Pinellas County, you've probably heard the term "FAST testing" come up at school meetings or seen score reports come home in your child's backpack. But what does it all mean? And more importantly, how can you use this information to support your child's growth? Don't worry, we've got you cover