‘Marvel’s Hero Project’ featuring St. Louis’ own Sidney Keys III will air on January 10 on Disney Plus. A local watch party will take place at Innovation Hall.
Certified Marvel heroes are few and far between, but St. Louis native Sidney Keys III can claim the title with vigor and excitement. Using his superpower of reading and the ability to bring people together, Keys transports his friends to a world of wonder and encourages exploration of African-American literature.
“When you think of, like, a tall, black boy, most of the time you don’t think of reading,” he said.
Keys, the 13-year-old founder of Books N Bros reading club, rising entrepreneur and budding photographer is featured in “Marvel’s Hero Project.” Released on Disney+ in November 2019, the 20-episode series explores the remarkable, positive change several young, real-life heroes are making in their own communities through selfless acts of bravery and kindness.
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Keys’ courage to do what he loves in spite of what others say or think – that is, to read – while inspiring other boys who look like him to do the same moved Marvel comics to create a comic book focused on how he makes a difference as a teen entrepreneur.
“[I] would have never imagined being in a comic book,” Keys said. They basically take what I go through sometimes on a daily basis and [put it] into the comic book.”
Three years ago, a Facebook Live video streamed by Keys’ mom of the youth reading books at EyeSeeMe African American Children’s Bookstore sparked what is now a book club that encourages character development, combats low literacy rates and helps boys to improve their reading levels. His mother, Winnie Caldwell, is also now his business partner.
Over the last two years, Keys has presented over 60 public speaking engagements; has been featured on the Steve TV Show, CNN, and in “The Oprah Magazine”; was named a CNN Heroes Young Wonder; and received a Young Black and Empowered award.
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Source: www.stlamerican.com
