The Power of Literacy

Pete Ferguson has been a dedicated collaborator in the African American Read-In for over a decade, helping to elevate Black voices in public spaces and highlight the power of literacy. The program underscores how reading, learning, and education provide a foundation for empowerment—aligning with Frederick Douglass’ words: “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”
 
A highlight of the Read-In is the Belmont Scholars’ annual book project and performance, which makes literacy an interactive, meaningful experience for students. It reinforces the vital role of schools and libraries in providing access to knowledge. Keeping these spaces open fosters growth, self-fulfillment, and opportunity, allowing individuals to reach their full potential.

Each year, the Belmont Scholars bring powerful stories to life, performing books like Change Sings by Amanda Gorman and We Shall Overcome by Debbie Levy. Their performances go beyond storytelling, honoring history and lived experiences. During a book preview about The Birmingham Children’s March, Bill Bryant, a retired Lincoln Public Schools Student Advocate, emphasized the significance of their message: “For you, this is a story. For me, it’s my life.”
 
These performances don’t end when the applause fades—they spark lasting conversations on equity, justice, and love, embedding their lessons into classrooms. In 2021, eight Belmont Scholars took their message even further, starring in the Emmy-nominated documentary We Will Not Be Silent based on the project prepared and performed as part of that year’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Rally.  
 
When talking with Pete Ferguson, he often highlights the advocates who shaped Lincoln’s Black community, including Dr. Leola Bullock, Lela Shanks, and his own parents. His mother, Alida Ferguson, a longtime educator, instilled in him the importance of Black history—gifting him civil rights books each Christmas and encouraging him to research Black leaders like George Washington Carver. His parents understood the power of Black history and community voice but faced the limitations of Jim Crow laws in the 1960s. As a child, Pete often searched library shelves for these stories—a task made much easier today with expanded representation.

Mentorship is central to Ferguson’s work, reflected in his involvement with Leadership Lincoln and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He sees it as education behind the scenes—helping young and those more seasoned recognize their choices, open doors, and shape their futures.
 
Ferguson is the advisor of the LPS District Scholar Equity Cadre, made up of middle and high school students who advise district leadership on policies and strategies that impact diversity, equity, and inclusion. He has also served as the 28-year lead advisor of the 30-year Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Rally, which seeks to promote King's legacy through positive youth action, leadership, and community impact.
 
The Equity Cadre and Rally Scholars also help lead library storytimes during African American History Month, creating diverse experiences through dance, music, language, and culture representing people of color and immigrants in Lincoln. Their involvement not only enriches younger students but also strengthens their own drive to make a difference. By sharing what they’ve learned, these young leaders create spaces where others can bravely express who they are, what they need, and how they can uplift their communities.
 
As Coordinator of Culture, Inclusion, and Scholar Development for Lincoln Public Schools (LPS), Pete Ferguson embraces his role as a non-traditional educator, bringing fresh perspectives while learning from the voices of scholars and staff. He values LPS’s commitment to diverse literature, inclusive media, and equitable education. Through his work at LPS and the Youth Rally, he honors his mother’s legacy, championing the power of education, literacy, and storytelling in amplifying and championing the uniqueness of the Black and other often underrepresented experiences.