Share the Magic Rally literacy initiative program held at Colquitt Co. High School

MOULTRIE, Ga. – Former NFL player and now children’s book author Malcolm Mitchell visited Colquitt County High School for the Share the Magic Rally.

A foundation he founded in 2016 to inspire kids to read.

“Well, I remember being a kid and wanting to grow up and be in positions to help me and my family and not realizing the role that reading played in all of that. And, it’s one of the most foundational tools that we can possess. So, having the opportunity to have a moment with the students, to try to encourage them to embrace it means a lot to me for it to be in South Georgia. Obviously, me being born and raised in Valdosta, it means that much more,” said Malcom Mitchell, Children’s book author, former NFL player.

All 2nd graders in the Colquitt County School District had a blast!

They played catch with him, enjoyed a magic show…

And… every single student went home with a copy of the very first book he wrote.

While he travels around the U.S. for his foundation…

There’s something special about coming back home.

“Well, it’s just close to the heart because the same challenges or similar challenges that the kids are facing now are similar or the same challenges that I faced when I was growing up. Not only that, but before we get started, I play this little game where I throw the football back and forth to the kids, and that’s my way of building rapport. I must say, in Georgia, across the board, no matter the age or the grade level, all the kids can catch it. So, that’s another reminder that I’m in South Georgia,” said Mitchell.

The event was partially funded by the Colquitt County Educational Foundation and a grant from Malcolm’s Share the Magic Foundation, as the Colquitt County School District has been focused on improving literacy rates among elementary students.

Gabe Hutton reporting.

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