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Literacy Partners Honors
Golden Globe-Winning Film,"The Help"
As Recipient of the 2012
Face of Literacy Award
New York City's only
nationally accredited adult literacy program will recognize
the film's director, screenwriter and executive producer
Tate Taylor for bringing this story of social justice and
empowerment to the big screen
New York, NY - Literacy Partners will present Tate
Taylor, screenwriter, director and executive producer of
"The Help," with the Third Annual Face of Literacy Award, in
person, at its Annual Gala and Evening of Readings on May
21, 2012 in New York City.
Founded in 2009, the Face of Literacy Award recognizes a
filmmaker who has used his or her talents to bring awareness
to the challenges faced by our adult students in overcoming
seemingly insurmountable odds to better themselves through
education. Past recipients of the Literacy Partners Face of
Literacy Award include Stephen Daldry for "The Reader" and
Tom Hooper for
"The King's Speech."
Literacy Partners selected Taylor and "The Help" for this
year's Face of Literacy award based on the enormous impact
of the film and how it has inspired people around the world.
In fact, the film is already being recognized for its
excellence, with Octavia Spencer ("Minny") taking home the
Golden Globe trophy for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama.
"The Help," based on the best-selling novel by Kathryn
Stockett, tells the story of three extraordinary women who
build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project
that breaks societal rules.
"There is a remarkably strong connection between the
personal strength and empowerment Minny and Aibileen
experience when they share their stories and the increased
self-confidence and esteem our students experience when they
are able to share their own personal journeys," explains
Literacy Partners Executive Director, Susan A. McLean.
"I learned many of life's lessons from the African American
domestic who co-raised me with my single mother," explained
Taylor. "She later went on to obtain her GED and learn
computer skills at night school and now works at a law firm.
Her courage, strength and love is what drew me to the
character of Aibileen in "The Help." Aibileen, Minny and
Skeeter used this same kind of strength to teach each other.
We as humans should never judge someone's ability to teach
or lead based on their level of education, but rather
encourage those we love to educate themselves so they can
share their own stories."
Literacy Partners Board Member, Face of Literacy Award Chair
and award winning filmmaker Jeffrey Sharp states, "The very
definition of literacy is evolving every day with the
proliferation of film and video across all screens and
reading devices. Film is an incredibly compelling medium and
we are thrilled that The Face of Literacy Award has now
become an established part of our Evening of Readings and
that filmmakers are joining our esteemed authors in the
celebration of literacy."
For more information on the event, which will be held on May
21, 2012 at JAZZ at Lincoln Center, or to purchase tickets,
please contact Buckley Hall Events at 914-597-1000
About Literacy Partners
For nearly 40 years, Literacy Partners has helped thousands
of New Yorkers learn the basic reading, writing and math
skills needed to succeed in day-to-day living. Through
successful collaborations with major corporations, community
partners and benefactors, Literacy Partners offers small,
welcoming classes taught by credentialed teachers, supported
by enthusiastic, highly trained, volunteer tutors. Literacy
Partners, founded by Liz Smith, Arnold Scassi and Parker
Ladd, is New York City's only nationally accredited adult
literacy program. For more information, visit
www.literacypartners.org .
About Tate Taylor
Tate Taylor was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, and
graduated from the University of Mississippi. After spending
time in New York, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his film
career.
In 2004, Taylor made his directorial debut with the
critically acclaimed short film "Chicken Party", which he
wrote, directed and starred. "Chicken Party" went on to win
eight festivals and placed at twelve more.
"Pretty Ugly People" was Taylor's first feature-length film,
which was released theatrically in the fall of 2009. Written
and directed by Taylor, this dark comedy presented a
complicated shooting schedule and ensemble cast, which
gained Taylor further notoriety as a director and writer to
watch. As an actor, Taylor has a long history of creating
outstanding performances and was most recently seen in the
2010 Sundance "Grand Jury" Prize-winning feature, "Winter's
Bone"
Taylor has established a mentoring program based in
Mississippi with Kathryn Stockett, author of "The Help,"
that provides creative and structural mentoring for writers
and filmmakers. Taylor served as director, executive
producer and screenwriter of "The Help" which was nominated
for five Golden Globes, including
Best Picture.
Tate was most recently nominated for "Best Adaptation" of
"The Help" by the Writer's Guild of America.
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