On the Summit’s Horizon: Summer Reading at Jennings Center

By: Rev. Christopher W. Riley
FWIS Contributing Writer

“Children’s experiences in the social world of family and community play a critical role in what and how well children learn in school. The importance of warm interpersonal relationships cannot be overstated. Adults are needed to provide consistent physical care, social guidance, intellectual stimulation, and emotional support.” (Barbara T. Bowman 2018) Betty Miller Buttram, a retired federal government employee and Fort Wayne Ink Spot contributing writer has facilitated a Summer Reading Program at the Jennings Center, 1330 McCulloch Street in the East Central Neighborhood of the Summit City.

Buttram used world maps as an exercise to reinforce reading. She selected books that promoted African/African American culture. For example, “The People Could Fly” and “Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears.” She also featured Golden Globe Award-Winning Actress and Howard University Alumna, Taraji P. Henson’s book, You Can Be A Good Friend. The program also included lessons on America’s 50 States and Capitals.

“Literacy is the #1 indicator for being alive and successful.” said Chanell Ridley, supervisor of the Jennings Recreation Center which is currently a part of the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department under the auspices of the City Government. “Miss Betty is one of the many frontrunners who faithfully come to serve our children. She meets the children where they are.” We had to pivot from a program that was focused on middle school to an initiative focused on elementary age students. The older children helped with the younger children. It is beautiful to see the “learning light bulbs” go off in the students. The goal is to get children interested and pique their knowledge so that they read more on their own.” said, Ridley.

Ridley who is a part of one Fort Wayne’s oldest African American Families shared that her Father, James Ridley, Sr. asked once she landed the position at the Jennings Center, “Do you know where you are going? “I had to do my research.”

The Late Albert G. Jennings, whom the center is named, served as the Director from 1951 until his retirement in 1977. He had great devotion and love for the youth in the black community. He wanted them to be successful and to come back to serve in the community. He had a positive and uplifting spirit that surrounded that center and all the youth. He was devoted and dedicated to his purpose of being there for the youth and families in Fort Wayne’s East Central neighborhood. At that time, the center was known as The McCulloch Center. (Buttram 2023)

When asked what it means to stand on the shoulders of Albert G. Jennings, Ridley shared, “It means responsibility to my community, culture and providing a safe space where there is staff accountability and the youth leave with applicable life skills.”

My staff is more patient than they would like to admit. It takes a special person to do this work daily. My staff has longevity with the Parks Department.”

“This position gives me a state of purpose and knowledge of who I am. Presence matters more than my voice. My Grandmother taught me, my crown mustn’t fall, to whom much is given, much is required. Therefore, I have always carried myself as though I know who I am.” said, Ridley.

For more information about the Jennings Center and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation: www.fortwayneparks.org; (260)427-6700.