Black Boys and Men Deserve The Power To Write Their Own Story
Fourth POV, Inc. empowers youth and adults in
underrepresented communities through creative writing,
publishing, and literacy programs that open real
pathways to education and opportunity.
What We Do
At Fourth POV, Inc., we create literacy, writing, journalism, and publishing programs built specifically for Black boys and men in Hartford and surrounding communities. Our work starts from a simple belief: Black boys and men should have more opportunities to tell their own stories, shape how their communities are understood, and see themselves as writers, reporters, authors, and creators.
Through hands-on writing experiences, father-son literacy programs, journalism and media projects, and pathways into publishing, participants do more than learn about literacy — they use it. They write, reflect, interview, publish, share ideas, and create work that carries their own voice.
Whether a father and son are writing side by side, a young reporter is earning his first byline, or an aspiring author is learning how publishing works, Fourth POV is built around helping Black boys and men read, write, and own their own stories.
Our Mission
Fourth POV, Inc. teaches Black boys and men to read, write, and own their own stories — as sons, as fathers, as reporters, and as publishers — through mentorship, hands-on creative writing, and direct instruction in the publishing business itself.
We believe a story a Black man writes and owns changes more than a story written about him ever could. That belief shapes every program we build. Our goal is to put a pen, a byline, a microphone, or a published book into his hands — not just give him a lesson about literacy, but give him the tools, confidence, and opportunity to use literacy to speak for himself, create something of his own, and be heard.
a future defined by possibility rather than circumstance. Every program we build, every journal we place in a child's hands, and every parent we equip with tools is a direct investment in the next generation of Hartford's storytellers, leaders, and changemakers.
Become a Sponsor. Get Involved.
Your support helps Fourth POV put pens, bylines, microphones, and published work into the hands of Black boys and men across Hartford and surrounding communities. Whether you help fund a father-son writing program, support a journalism project, provide materials, or help create publishing opportunities, your contribution gives participants more chances to read, write, create, and tell their own stories.
There are many ways to support the work. The most important one is to get involved.
Our Programs
Empowering Families, Healing Minds, and Building Futures
Writing Prompt Wednesday
A monthly writing experience where fathers and sons share a meal, respond to guided prompts, and use writing to open conversations that do not always happen on their own.
Fourth Observer
A journalism, media literacy, and civic-writing program where Black and Brown boys and young men research, interview, write, record, and publish stories about the issues and communities they know best.
Small Press Incubator Program
From manuscript to marketplace. SPIP guides youth through the full publishing process — writing, producing, and selling their own work — turning creative talent into real economic opportunity.
F.A.U.L.T.
A sustained literacy and mentorship program where Black fathers and sons read, write, reflect, and teach each other side by side over the course of a structured cohort.
Fathers and Sons Grow Stronger Together
%
are not reading at grade level
%
of low-income students fall behind in literacy
students grow up without books in the home
Take Action With Fourth POV
Email us at info@fourthpov.org or use the form below to connect
Become a Volunteer
Share your time and skills with Hartford's youth. Whether you lead a workshop, mentor a young writer, or support our events — your presence makes a difference.
Partner With Us
Bring Fourth POV programming to your school, library, or organization. We co-design literacy experiences that meet your community where it is.
Sponsor Literacy
Fund journals, workshops, and programs that put creative tools directly in the hands of youth and families who need them most.
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
Whether you're a parent, educator, community partner, or someone who simply believes in the power of story — we want to hear from you. Reach out to learn more about our programs, explore partnership opportunities, or find out how you can support the next generation of Hartford's storytellers.
Mailing Address
142 Weston Street, Box 183, Hartford, CT 06142