Pearland Comics Project

Our Mission

Improve literacy through engaging material
Encourage children to reading and spending less time on screens
Promote positive Black representation in the media
Enhance participating barbershops, salons, and their communities

The Pearland Comics Project is the Eagle Scout Project of Wesley Clarke, of BSA Venture Crew 464. The project created a network of small libraries at local barbershops and hair salons in Pearland, TX, that features graphic novels highlighting Black creators and characters.

The "read and return libraries" provide graphic novels for kids (and their parents) to while waiting for their services.

Why graphic novels? Because they work. Children's reading levels are declining, particularly reading for pleasure. There is a known literacy gap between boys and girls, and a bigger gap for black boys. Comics are a proven gateway to more reading and improved literacy.

Wesley and the library at Joe Black Barbershop

What People are Saying About the Pearland Comics Project

"We've had so many adults come in and talk about the comics they read. We had no idea we had so many comic fans. It's given folks a whole new set of things to talk about"

"We now have a lot of kids coming in and going straight for the books, and never asking for a phone or tablet."

"Kids know the books are here and are excited to read them. We've had kids beg to take a book home to finish it."

"It's been great! We (the barbers) have also been reading them. We loved the books about black history and black facts. We all learned so many things we didn't know before."