The transformative power of literacy is a cornerstone of justice and equity. In this talk, centered on his childhood in Roxbury with his grandmother as his first teacher, Dr. De'Shawn Washington reframes literacy and reimagines reading as powerful tools of liberation that can disrupt systemic inequities in public education. Dr. De'Shawn Washington is the 2024 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year—the first Black male in state history to receive this honor—and the 2025 Massachusetts Representative for the National Education Association’s Teacher Excellence Award. As an elementary school teacher, Dr. Washington focuses on empowering his students to use reading as a vessel to be advocates and agents of change in their communities and beyond. A passionate educator, scholar, and speaker, Dr. Washington champions equity-centered literacy practices that affirm identity, build critical consciousness and inspire social action. His leadership spans local and national platforms, including curriculum development, policy advocacy, and professional learning for educators committed to justice and liberation in education. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx