Profiles in Giving

Baltimore publisher W. Paul Coates, founder of Black Classic Press, sees the direct results of his contributions to Baltimore Reads. "Participating has a direct impact on people - an immediate impact.  We are getting people back to work."

With a thriving publishing business located in the west side of Baltimore City, Coates' own love of literature gives his involvement with Baltimore Reads a special meaning.  "Reading as art has to be promoted and developed.  People have to develop the love of reading.  Baltimore Reads helps with that effort."

As for the art of giving, Paul Coates shares a secret. "It's easier than most of us think," he says, considering his time as a volunteer and donor for Baltimore Reads. "We can give our time.  We can give our money.  We don't have to give everything away - but it's an easy process. It's one of the skills we have to practice to become better people.  By enriching others, we enrich ourselves."