LA CROSSE — As a celebration of Black History Month, La Crosse high school volunteers read books by black authors to elementary students, according to a story by WXOW-TV.

Central High School Senior Danessa Brocks read books celebrating black culture aloud to younger students who might not have otherwise seen themselves in predominantly white literature.

“I wish they did this when I was a kid because I would’ve learned way more about my culture,” Brocks said. “I missed out on a lot about me. I grew up in an area where not many kids were like me.”

“All kids in our schools should be able to see themselves in texts, characters and the community,” Hintgen Elementary School Principal Amy Oliver said. “This is just one small step for us to recognize and celebrate our African American community here in La Crosse and make sure that our students feel like they matter and that they belong.”

Read the full story here.