Beverly Crawford named National Spokesperson for Literacy

From Shout! Magazine:

(Louisville, KY) In honor of National Family Literacy Day, the National Center for Family Literacy is pleased to announce JDI recording artist Beverly Crawford as its National Spokesperson for Literacy.

Crawford struggled with literacy and subsequent depression as a teen. Few people knew of her well-kept secret, as she struggled even to sound out simple words and spent countless hours memorizing songs and sermons to keep her difficulty with reading concealed. The problem that drove her to two suicide attempts is now an extension of hope that she shares on her national platform in hopes of helping & inspiring others.

Overcoming her reading challenge through private tutors, fundamental reading books and scores of literature, the Grammy-nominated artist’s past struggle with literacy has transformed her into an advocate for literacy programs and now a national ambassador with Louisville based non-profit National Center for Family Literacy, the worldwide leader for family literacy.

“I’m so excited to enter into such a powerful relationship,” says Crawford. “At one time in my life, I thought the best thing to do was to be silent to avoid the ridicule of others, but now my willingness to share offers hope and inspiration to others. God has opened a great door with this wonderful organization and I am making myself completely available to help on every level possible.”

Crawford, whose music career has spanned more than 20 years, has shared the stage with some of music’s biggest names, including Natalie Cole, Patti LaBelle, and countless others. With six solo albums to her credit, including her current smash hit CD Live in Los Angeles on JDI Records/Sony BMG Red, featuring the #1 smash single “He’s Done Enough,” Crawford is regarded as one of the top singers in the world!

“When real-life success stories like Beverly’s are shared, they inspire people to begin a path toward accomplishing their own goals,” says Sharon Darling, president and founder of NCFL. “We’re so pleased that Ms. Crawford will be an ambassador for NCFL to raise awareness about the critical needs for family literacy. As an ambassador on an issue that affects over 34 million U.S. adults and their children, Beverly Crawford motivates others to reach their dreams. She is an inspiration to the millions who take that first step toward success through family learning and keep on going to accomplish great things because she herself has made that journey.”

About NCFL:
The National Center for Family Literacy, founded in 1989, is the worldwide leader in family literacy & has raised more than $100 million. More than one million families have made positive educational and economic gains as a result of NCFL’s work, which includes training more than 150,000 teachers and thousands of volunteers. For more info, contact 1-877-FAMLIT-1 or visit www.famlit.org.

About Beverly Crawford:
Riding high on the success of her #1 chart-topping single “He’s Done Enough” (currently one of the most requested songs in the country – R&R/Billboard), JDI recording artist Beverly Crawford is regarded as one of the world’s premier vocalists. Ebony Magazine says “… Beverly Crawford is one of the truly great voices of our times!” Topping the Billboard charts for over 60+ weeks, Live from Los Angeles is one of the breakout hit CDs of the year and is enjoying unprecedented critical & commercial success.

For more info, please visit http://cdbaby.com/cd/beverlycrawford.

Ed. Note: Other gospel artists who have volunteered their time for charitable causes include Daryl Coley for the American Diabetes Association and Tracy Worth for Habitat for Humanity.

Who else? I know I’m missing plenty of people! Reply to this entry with the names of other gospel artists taking the time to give back to the community. Let’s celebrate and thank them all during this season of Thanksgiving.