At Clancy-Maggiore Elementary School for the Arts, the atmosphere was electric as Cox Business brought together community leaders, educators, and students for an event that blended technology, education, and inspiration. The spotlight was on Super Bowl Champion and philanthropist Malcolm Mitchell, who launched his new children’s book, A World Within Reach, in partnership with Cox Communications. This event was more than just a book launch; it was a celebration of the power of connectivity and the role it plays in shaping the future of young minds.

“I believe every individual wants to do something meaningful with their life,” Mitchell said during the event. “But the challenge is, depending on the environment you were born into, you may not know how. What reading did for me is it gave me other options on how.”

A World Within Reach follows the journey of a young boy named Mylo, who, after reading every book in his local library, discovers a pair of magical goggles that connect him to the world’s vast knowledge. The story emphasizes the importance of curiosity and the role that both reading and digital connectivity play in unlocking a world of possibilities. 

Cox Communications has long been committed to closing the digital divide and ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the tools they need to thrive. “Keeping our neighborhoods connected and making a difference in our communities is at the heart of what we do,” said Sunni LeBeouf, Cox Communications Market Vice President. She highlighted Cox’s efforts, stating, “Since 2015, inspired by education centers just like the school we are gathered in today, we’ve raised over $250,000 to support education, the arts, and similar programs.”

The importance of digital access was echoed by Jefferson Parish Schools Superintendent Dr. James Gray, who reflected on the challenges and triumphs of keeping students connected during the pandemic. “We had to have hybrid models and create full, virtual platforms. Because of the network that we had, it allowed us to provide educational resources to these students at the most trying times,” Dr. Gray shared. He emphasized that these efforts have continued beyond the pandemic, ensuring that students in remote areas have access to the same opportunities as their peers.

Events like this, which bring together leaders from various sectors, have a profound impact on the youngest readers and students in Jefferson Parish. They also have a ripple effect on their families, fostering a culture of reading and learning that extends beyond the classroom. As Dr. Gray noted, “I think the biggest thing is it puts reading back in fashion. We’re trying to figure out how to get kids back and engaged in reading. The fun of reading is being lost in society, so if we can get [students] to put down their phones and pick up a book, it puts us in a better opportunity for them in the long run.”

For Cox Communications, partnering with individuals like Mitchell is part of a larger strategy to bridge the digital divide and promote digital literacy. As LeBeouf put it, “To have a digital equity ambassador like Malcolm is a tremendous benefit. He’s able to share his experience about the importance of literacy and connected learning, both on and off the field.”

In Mitchell’s own words, his goal is to inspire hope. “I hope that students understand the possibilities of their lives supersede the challenges they face in their community. I hope they learn that the world is truly within reach and, with that understanding, set bigger goals and have unwavering confidence that they can do and be anything with their life.”

This event at Clancy-Maggiore Elementary School for the Arts was not just a celebration of a new book but a reminder of the power of connection—both in the digital world and in our local communities. Through partnerships like this, Cox Communications and Malcolm Mitchell are helping to build a brighter, more connected future for all students.

To learn more about Mylo’s adventure and to get your own, free copy of the book, visit cox.com/read. To learn more about Cox’s commitment to digital equity, visit cox.com/digitalequity.