RISING SOUTH Toya L. Poplar
Black Pearls and Stop Write There
Explore Poplar’s books and interactive journals.
Save the date · Second Annual
Run 4 Peace:
Walk 4 Hope
5K & One-Mile Run/Walk
A community-wide celebration of health, hope, and unity. All ages, backgrounds, cultures, and fitness levels are welcome.
May 22, 2027
Saturday · 8:00 a.m.
John Hunt Park
Huntsville, Alabama
Celebrating first responders, public safety personnel, and community members who serve and inspire.
5K Details, Our Why & Volunteering
What we do
Learning, leadership, and opportunity
Rising South pairs literacy and postsecondary planning with mentorship, creative expression, and practical paths to education and work.
Youth leadership and mentorship
Space for young people to build confidence, connect with mentors, and gain exposure to professionals in media, business, and the performing arts.
Scholarship and internship support
Guidance on educational pathways, college readiness, scholarships, internships, and career exploration.
Arts-based learning
Stage productions, writing, and cultural programs that give youth and community members a voice.
Postsecondary planning
Our planning topics include requesting letters of recommendation, writing scholarship essays, preparing for life after high school, and navigating the choices of student athletes. Dr. Muhammad’s guide My Mom Wants This, but I Want That explores the conversations students and families have about those choices.
Why we gather
Creativity opens doors. Literacy keeps them open.
Rising South Literacy School brings people together through art, culture, and learning to address violence and help our communities thrive.
We create space for people to share their art, develop their voices, build connections, and imagine a future shaped by possibility. Our work centers education, cultural expression, and community-led responses to violence. Rising South also describes whole-person health and wellness activities, awareness of barriers facing vulnerable communities, and efforts to fill educational gaps.
Art and culture
Programs that give artists and neighbors a place to be seen, heard, and connected.
Literacy and opportunity
Learning and scholarship opportunities that help young people access more choices.
Community peace
Gatherings and resources that honor lives, strengthen relationships, and support prevention.
Stories worth sharing
Books & Authors
Featured book
General Motors’ Baby
By Dr. Dedra Lori Muhammad
Discover a story from the world of Hidden Princess: The Rebirth of Making Mary.
Dr. Dedra Muhammad is an author, educator, and co-founder and executive director of Rising South Literacy School.Tiffany Adams
The Greatest Fruit Basket and Solomon Learns How to Read
Explore Adams’s children’s books, journals, coloring books, and calendars.
Sylvia Timmons Rennicks
Transformation and His Will and Good Pleasure
Rennicks is also the author of Just A Vessel.
Literacy
More access. More possibility.
We believe literacy can help young people build confidence, understand their options, and shape their futures. Rising South shares college and scholarship support, student guidance, and creative learning resources alongside its community programs.
Programs & 2026 goals Violence prevention
Learning programs
Opportunities to read, write, create, and grow through community-centered education.
Scholarship support
Explore Rising South’s existing college and scholarship support resources. Visit the support page ↗
Stories and art
Spaces where participants can share their work and find an audience that listens.
Selected highlights
Our impact, in moments
These are selected highlights and people connected to Rising South’s story, not a complete history of its events. Additional dates and personal stories will be added as they are confirmed.
From the archive
This older promotional flyer is part of Rising South’s history. It shows dates and plans printed at the time; please use current event announcements for schedules and ticket details.
View the full flyer ↗Rising South organizer Dr. Dedra Muhammad has described working with these artists to bring attention to community issues, including gun violence.
Rising South has shared plans for a concert and student-centered creative presentation exploring a journey from pain to purpose. The archival flyer above reflects an earlier announcement.
A person and story to honor here with approved wording and images.
A creative work to feature as part of Rising South’s impact story after its details are confirmed.
Background: Community Foundation listing ↗ · Rising South event page ↗
In remembrance
Every life is more than a headline.
We want to remember neighbors lost to homicide and keep their humanity at the center of our work toward peace. This space is being prepared for tributes shared with care and verified with families or trusted community partners.
A place for names, stories, and love
As families choose to participate, this memorial can include a loved one’s name, photo, remembrance, and the ways their life touched others. We will share submission details when the process is ready.
Violence prevention
Support and resources
Community care also means helping people find support. These national resources offer starting points while Rising South develops its local resource directory.
Immediate danger
Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.
Emotional crisis
Call or text 988 for confidential crisis support in the United States.
Prevention tools
Explore the CDC’s VetoViolence resources ↗ for community prevention approaches.
Community powered
Keep free services within reach.
Your gift supports literacy, creativity, youth opportunities, and community peace.
Donate by card, Cash App, or PayPalRising South Literacy School · 501(c)(3) nonprofit · EIN: 33-1111254
Your service matters
Volunteer Check-In & Service Hours
Check in when you arrive and check out when you leave. Your completed service hours are recorded for organizer review and volunteer service certificates. This is separate from class attendance.
Creative Arts and Experiential Learning
Your learning hours count.
Students in Modeling and Runway can check in for class and rehearsal, then check out when they leave. Scan the class QR code or open the page below. An instructor can record attendance for anyone without a phone.
Our subsidiary · Our community connection
Visit Black Alliance of the South
Discover year-round community connections and the Huntsville Black Business Directory.
Shop local · Connect year-round
Huntsville Black Business Directory
Discover and support local Black-owned businesses, organizations, and services through Black Alliance of the South.