LeVar Burton Reveals WHY Hollywood CANCELED “Reading Rainbow”

[@mrcead]

People don't understand. Reading Rainbow was airing during the crack epidemic sweeping cities across America. Reading Rainbow encouraged me to park my behind in the nearest NYC library daily as a kid and stay off the streets. I will never forget LeVar Burton and Reading Rainbow. He sparked my self learning journey. Pick up a book, learn a new skill

[@dmblake4]

Libraries were my go to spot because of this show.

[@NviGWarren]

Same. The library was the spot for latchkey kids.

[@saaah707]

That's exactly what the problem was. It had to be cancelled to maintain the narrative

[@sadditycarroll1996]

❤💯

[@lashaisrael2151]

THAT RIGHT PICK UP A BOOK!!!!

[@elfowlkes]

We need Reading Rainbow now. Literacy is down in America.

[@4CQueen]

TRUTH 💯!

[@TheOriginalFrankMatthews]

Social media killed that like PBS, Saturday morning cartoons, and everything else

[@kayv5840]

Yesss, or people can read but don’t comprehend. I see a lot of unnecessary ‘fights’ online because of it…

[@citizencoy4393]

Just as they want it

[@liesareparadox1892]

Now more than ever.

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

LeVar Burton & Mr. Rodgers are 2 men who spoke softly to children, effected generations & pushed boundaries. We need more men like them!

[@nancyhanson9661]

Yes❤

[@kissmyass705]

I don't recall Mr. Rodgers threatening to slap or punch a woman live on air. LeVar is a punk.

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

@kissmyass705 While threatening to slap someone in a non-self defense situation is an a$$hole move LeVar isn't a Punk. Moms of Liberty advocates against school curricula that mention race and ethnicity and discrimination. MoL is Anti-American in their pro censorship stance & borderline Christian Nationalist stance. Not holding someone else's beliefs or values doesn't give one the right to censor others or dictate their religion. What LeVar should have said was "I do not support anti-American groups like Moms of Liberty for being pro-censorship & anti-free speech." Or if he truly wanted to be Punk about it say "Fu¢k Moms of Liberty for being hypocritical a$$hats trying to tell other people & other people's kids what they can & can't read while claiming to support free speech & children's rights."

[@kenarco3765]

Exactly right Great people to help the young people back then

[@Adelicows]

*affected

[@LadellTurner]

I was a pbs kid. I love love this show as a kid.. Reason why I love books to this day. That song give my goosebumps to this day.

[@AL-Boogie.]

💯💯💯 you fully get it ! Class of 97! This show is tattooed to my head! Dude was just smart for sake of being smart on that show!! Low key Lavar is my hero!!!! I fell in love with books cause of this Mr Lavar Burton!! Peace to you! 💯💪🏿

[@1olpoorboy]

Same

[@jamaicanjoyh6883]

Yes totally nostalgic for me too...I LOVED SAT MORNINGS & PBS

[@apollomars865]

PBS kid checking in

[@Kadafitheprince2379]

@@AL-Boogie.97 too and we can be thankful we had educational shows like this. Lavar Burton had a gift of communicating with children.

[@citizencoy4393]

They canceled the show due to the positive results the show had. I grew up in the hood and the way the streets would clear when reading rainbow came on was pure magic! I remember believing that I could conquer the WORLD just from the song alone. I can do ANYTHING! When I couldn’t find whatI wanted in front of me, reading rainbow had me turning pages in books! They knew exactly what they were doing when they canceled the show. They wanted slaves not free thinkers.

[@DoshonFarad1914]

🎯🎯🎯

[@bandmarc141]

💯 🙌🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@RY-os9vw]

Preach! A Black man telling kids to read was too much like right.

[@KiKi-bs6lm]

Well said.

[@TheOriginalScorpioBelle]

You just made that up. The street thugs weren’t running to watch reading rainbow. Maybe the kids went in. But the streets did not clear. Cut it out. Write a novel with those tales.

[@Dimples718]

So basically children aren't allowed to use their imaginations anymore, are you kidding me? This wonderful man and his platform changed my life forever! Levar Burton is the reason why I'm an avid reader, and also now a Sci-fi author. As a child mom couldn't afford books, and trips to the library were few and far between. All I had was Reading Rainbow. Whatever negativity going towards "Reading Rainbow" is a smokescreen used by the forces of evils' to push false narratives. Let's give this man all of the flowers he deserves. I am forever grateful 🙏🏾

[@Becauseimme]

I’m 40 and this was the reason I wanted to learn how to read as a child. This show is a National Treasure.

[@plawson8577]

I’m 40 going on 41. Reading Rainbow helped shape the Xennial Generation. I’ll always cherish its Childhood memories it provided to me as an 80s baby.

[@DeeTheToyHunter]

One of the dopest shows of my childhood....give Lavar Burton his flowers!

[@AL-Boogie.]

Big facts!!!💯💪🏿

[@dmblake4]

Three dozen!

[@takelasmith406]

Big facts.

[@Mike_M.]

Facts 💐

[@lildudefromacrossthestreet8457]

For the ppl in the back💪🏿

[@katrinaisalwayscorrect]

I grew up in a home filled with drugs and violence. Reading Rainbow, the book mobile coming to my school, Mr. Rogers, and the magic school bus were literally my safe escape. This wholesome content kept me sane and gave me hope. I honestly think these shows probably helped with suicide prevention and keeping kids out of gangs and drugs.

[@augustusappling139]

you couldnt be more wrong

[@katrinaisalwayscorrect]

@@augustusappling139 thanks for your hate filled comment. Go away troll

[@haretyper4954]

​@@augustusappling139 no you are

[@augustusappling139]

@@haretyper4954 no im right she's wrong

[@sospecialkayofficial]

@@augustusappling139trolls gonna troll

[@charlescummings2205]

He was somewhere, and all these parents started singing the "Reading Rainbow" song. The things he taught people today have forgotten or is missing. You need shows like this.

[@silvermann6515]

Not only shows like this but we need more genuine people such as Mr. Levar Burton. Those are some mighty big shoes to fill coming behind Mr. Burton to carry this on with this masterpiece.

[@briane596able]

Levar smuggled some hiphop in at a very early stage as a part of diversity. He paid it forward and painted all music as valid expression, that was key for a platform that large.

[@mynamenotgiven5717]

And now we got trashy reality shows glamorizing the thug and hip hop lifestyles. Reading Rainbow was a beautiful wholesome show.

[@manxx25]

Moms against liberty would never allow such a show. :(

[@mainstreetsaint36]

​@@manxx25😢 why?

[@mcs081485]

Actually, we need more teachers like Levar Burton. The show gave me a positive outlook on reading books as a kid.

[@robertmonroejr1315]

My twins discovered “Reading Rainbow” just as they began to read books on their own. They were very disappointed when it was cancelled and I remember my daughter being very angry that it was replaced with “Electric Company”. In her mind, “Reading Rainbow” was for kids who knew how to read and were interested in discovering new books while “Electric Company” was a step back because it was for kids who were just learning how to read. She thought that there was a place for both but that cancelling “Reading Rainbow” was a big mistake.

[@matthewcaughey8898]

They ended up canceling Electric Company as well.

[@billebrooks]

What are you talking about? Electric Company (aka the Morgan Freeman show) was older than Reading Rainbow, the latter of which was not on when I was a kid.

[@living4mylord]

@@billebrooks exactly. Unfortunately OP must be confusing some other show with electric company.

[@cboscari]

@@living4mylord They rebooted Electric Company in the 90's. The original with Freeman was better, of course.

[@first2summit]

@@billebrooks There was an Electric Company reboot in 2009. Reading Rainbow ended in 2006. Maybe that's what the OP was thinking of.

[@pattrell5257]

I was born in 79, so Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, and Reading Rainbow were huge on PBS. There were others, but none with the impact of these. RRb was like a book fair and fun educational doc all wrapped into one in my era...

[@lildudefromacrossthestreet8457]

I was born in 76, that was best era to be in at that time

[@Dream_more_age_less]

I was born in '76 too; I watched those three shows in rotation growing-up.

[@kenb2671]

Growing up in the late 70s my family didn’t have cable. So the only channels we had were ABC, CBS and PBS. As a kid to me that’s all we needed until we got cable 6 years later. Loved all of those show that were on PBS including RR.😊👍🏾

[@queenstacey1]

I was born in 78’, my cousin made jokes about me having a crush on Mr. Rogers. I didn’t have a watch but I knew everyday what time my shows on PBS was on tv.

[@yulandatross3110]

79 also

[@jameicahatch8595]

Yup I was brainwashed... TILL THIS DAY IM STILL SINGING BUTTERFLIES IN THE SKY I CAN GO TWICE AS HIGH🎶🎶🎶❤❤❤ READING IS FUN TO MENTAL 💯💯 SHOUT OUT TO LAVAR💕

[@AL-Boogie.]

Big facts!!!!!💯💪🏿

[@jameicahatch8595]

@@AL-Boogie. ❤️💯

[@lynnefreeman7687]

❤💃💃💃💃💃📚📚📚📚📚📚📚❤❤❤❤❤

[@jameicahatch8595]

@@lynnefreeman7687 ❤️❤️

[@NaturallyGifted77]

Lol

[@CodeFairyChristine]

As an 80's baby, thank you Lavar and reading rainbow! I still have a deep love for reading to this day thanks solely to this show!

[@Jolene8]

I was obsessed with reading rainbow. I don't remember when it went off the air, with so much going on in my life then, but I tried to always watch it. One of my favorite things on TV. 🌈❤️

[@punkylynneramone1981]

This show and O.G. Readmore got me into reading at a young age.

[@natashasdiary3120]

Lavar Burton is the reason I can read and I tested at bachelor reading level at 12 yrs old. "Take a look, it's in a book. Reading rainbow." I lived in the projects and unsafe areas all my life. Reading was my obsession and escape. He is a hero.

[@romerohaley2554]

Me too, housing projects. I had a psychological evaluation done in the foster care system at 12. I tested at a freshman college reading level. I was a yr behind in math. Never caught up in math. But I really enjoyed this program.

[@nicholasholloway8743]

​@@romerohaley2554crazy, I was in special Education and even I had a college level reading, probably because of the show. It made me want to read books. Had me believing it was "Cool" to read.

[@romerohaley2554]

@@nicholasholloway8743 I wish I would have had extra help. I had such bad anxiety and difficulty picking up on social cues.

[@lovejumanji5]

@@romerohaley2554be nice if we could actually hear lavar speaking …..this is more stuff make us feel helpless. She didn’t pronounce his name correctly…..many times , and then it did ….sad

[@thescrybe]

same. 💯

[@scene2much]

I was a PBS Dad, and I knew LeVar and his message across the Airwaves and Cable as someone and something to which I could absolutely entrust my daughter's attention. Thanks for this reminder and behind the scenes revelation of what a Hero LeVar Burton was, and is.

[@denverjohnson5640]

Absolutely beautiful! We need those wholesome morals now more than ever.

[@kdmill7563]

As a white kid in an extremely white town, I found the books he chose fascinating. As an adult I’ve watched a couple episodes and was struck by how diverse his show was. It was truly incredible what he did, it made such an impact on me. Levar is still one of my favorite celebrities.

[@yeahyeahwowman8099]

As a white kid in a white town, what does any of that got to do with books. A group of white people walking around slapping books out of people's hands if they were not part of the curriculum, lol.

[@elishaforrester1150]

I always loved the robert munch episodes, he read an Inuit art book once called the last of the arctic by William kurelek I still have that book...my grandma also used to video tape Reading Rainbow for me when I wasn't sleeping over at her place

[@ricktyuio283]

Me too. He’s got a natural way, behind a camera. Like he belongs there.

[@Pteromandias]

I too loved his show. I was sad later to learn that he is a racist and probably wouldn't have liked that I watched his show. Sad because it did shape me in many ways.

[@kdmill7563]

@@Pteromandias uh… you need a little evidence behind that claim. Where’s your source for that opinion? because I’m pretty sure you’re dead wrong.

[@N3MES1SX12]

LeVar Burton is the Bob Ross of literacy, education, and imagination. I watched Reading Rainbow as a kid and every generation I've talked to that was actually around when the show is still airing everybody loves LeVar Burton and Reading Rainbow I have never in my entire life heard a bad word about him nor the TV shows in other media that he's been in. To all those who grew up with Reading Rainbow, that show was the bastion to the people it influenced and forever left a mark in our Hearts and Minds

[@RY-os9vw]

My sister and I sang the "Reading Rainbow" song every day to the point where I have it memorized! His show (along with my mother) encouraged me to keep reading and explore worlds unknown in books, a lifeline for a child growing up in a rough neighborhood and unhappy home. His shows and his roles have saved many young lives from despair and destruction. Thank you so much Levar Burton!

[@tanisha.r.thomas]

No...Bob Ross was a charlatan with a fake afro. Please dont ever put a gem in rge sam category as a fake and a fraud.

[@cryofpaine]

I wish we could have a "Mr. Rushmore" for people who inspired and embodied the highest of our professed ideals. LeVar Burton, Bob Ross, Fred Rogers, Robin Williams, Betty White, Dolly Parton, etc.

[@bri-manhunter2654]

That’s deep!

[@amanawolf9166]

Couldn't have said it better myself. This guy got a generation of kids to read. Heck, it's due to him and many, many powerful, influential individuals in my life that I picked up book after book after book to learn about the world. Some teachers weren't pleased that I read Stephen King back in Middle-School, but they were decent books.

[@fletchdavidson6079]

Not having him host Jeopardy was the biggest missed opportunity in television history.

[@MsMedford]

THIS

[@DottieMaeEvans]

I agree. It was their lost.

[@RainbowBrite80]

I totally agree 👍

[@bodhimind108]

To paraphrase LeVar Burton; maybe it is an opportunity to do something bigger. I hope that becomes a reality, and soon.

[@marcussmith5186]

Simply because they was intimidated by Levar skills

[@Lilboozibert]

I was on Reading Rainbow once and even gave a review of a book. It was so fun. I didn't meet LB personally, but I remember, as a shy awkward little kid, feeling not so anxious and feeling like people cared what I thought. That was the environment that LB fostered.

[@Melissa0774]

How'd you end up getting on the show?

[@MaiBGrowNLoco]

Wow! Amazing, what an experience that was for you! So cool! I loved RR! I probably saw you lol thanks for sharing !

[@Lilboozibert]

Thank you. I don't exactly remember how my classmates and I were selected, but our school was on the border of a rough location. When we did well, they treated us well with these amazing field trips. We were also on Steampipe Alley (crazy 80s kid show), AMNH and other science based museums, Boys and Girls club was nearby for afterschool activities. That was a really good school. I also must say that every student (about 20 - 25 kids) shot their own segment, even if they weren't aired. Gave everyone a chance to feel special.

[@Melissa0774]

@@Lilboozibert I always wanted to get on the show too. But as a third grader in 1995, with no internet access, I had no idea how to make it happen. I guess someone at your school must have had some connections. I didn't know that the kids were recruited through schools or that one episode would have kids that all came from the same school.

[@Lilboozibert]

@@Melissa0774 It was just my specific class. But the school was very forward in general, especially for a school near (but not in) the ghetto. Denzel Washington was a supporter of our local Boys and Girls club and grew up in our town. Maybe he had a hand in it. I really don't remember.

[@TinaBriLex]

I grew up watching Reading Rainbow and all the PBS shows. They were fundamental to the love of reading and made me love going to the library. I even introduced these shows to my children. I have much respect for Lavar Burton. He is truly an icon

[@justtrust426]

I guess Reading Rainbows was too wholesome for today society.

[@kellythomas8377]

Exactly... can't have children running around reading and using their heads for intelligent opportunities. Hollywood shut the show down because it didn't fit with their agenda to dumb down society

[@dewaynewatson7730]

You damn right it is, how dare a black man promote reading to children. I mean, it used to be illegal for a black man to read in America. That job should be left up to Transsexual sex workers. 😂😂😂😂

[@jbizz80]

The show ended 17 years ago. Today's society has nothing to do with it.

[@BobbyMoore2-mp8wb]

No it couldn’t handle the competition with shows like Dragonball Z on the Toonami block

[@damedan9389]

But, with all the LGBT propaganda being pushed to young kids in schools, isn't "Reading Rainbows" EXACTLY what they wanted? 🤔🤔

[@roberttompkins9991]

I was an older teenager to a young adult when he made Reading Rainbow and still watched it. It was a good, entertaining uplifting show. I never knew there was something “controversial” about his show. I found his book selections enriching and his zeal and excitement presenting the stories to us inspiring. Anyone who has a problem with The Reading Rainbow and Levar Burton just simply has problems in their noggin and or character.

[@drlnielsen]

Neither did I. RR was to me a fun and interesting show, not controversial. It was kind. Cancelling it was a rotten decision.

[@Corneilus1]

LeVar is an icon, we're lucky to have him.

[@Thewolverine0865]

I grew up with Reading Rainbow, 321 contact, square one tv, Wishbone. Reading Rainbow definitely made an impact in pushing society forward in challenging children and adults to grow intellectually and emotionally. It's unnerving how some parts of the country are threatening to circle back to a time when empathy, curiosity and celebration of learning are being banned.

[@keepmoving2023-ku7nb]

Exactly 💯 I miss the 80s

[@GabrielleTollerson]

ikr!! It's concerning!

[@squirrelgray945]

Ah Wishbone. Good stuff.

[@TotoLakay]

-mass- Education gets in the way of profits.

[@advlandvideo]

While many people talk down to children, Fred Rogers and Le Var Burton made you feel like their equal. We were chatting with a friend, not being schooled or preached too. Thank you, Le Var. Rest in peace, Fred.

[@goldilox369]

Completely agree. I'm 43. These two men and their kindness and things they taught really helped me become a decent person. I still love both. ❤

[@user-si9fx4xb6v]

@advlandvideo: I agree, as a kid growing up in the mid to late 1980's and early to mid 1990's, I cannot fathom being the man I am today without the impact of both these and many other PBS shows. Thanks to Reading Rainbow, I learned about the joy of reading and how empathy and kindness goes a long way.

[@DarHalen]

I became an avid reader because of this show. I was already 13, but my younger sisters watched it and I became hooked. Thank you LeVar.

[@Vivalarosa45]

Reading Rainbow brainwashed kids? Okay. I guess by the age of three I was brainwashed to see a positive black man talk about books, show the joys of education, art and adventure on TV. I guess I was brainwashed into becoming an illustrator when I used to watch storytellers narrate while their book was being illustrated at the same time. LaVar was no Mr. Rogers however he's right up there with children great TV educators from the 80's. Yup, I'm brainwashed damn it.

[@lustenaderj]

I don't remember many of the actual episodes or their stories, but at 40 I can still vividly remember how captivating and inspiring Reading Rainbow was as a child. The world needs more people like LeVar Burton!

[@shamachelon]

I agree! Same here! I’m 29 and I still absolutely love reading!!!

[@Stoutfellow007]

I’m 43 I remember the show from my childhood. It was me and my sisters favorite show. my 6 year old loves watching it on KZbin!

[@freez1ngsapper]

LeVar Burton: Reading is an amazing tool! Mr Rogers: I love you just the way are! Bob Ross: there are no mistakes, just happy accidents! These three formed an educational trinity that was nearly nationally available compared to other content of its time. It’s impossible to quantify the benefits these three have brought to generations.

[@jenniferthomas8804]

I wish more people realized this! ❤

[@poppawolf8777]

So very true

[@abysspegasusgaming]

Bob Ross, Mr Rogers, and Robin Williams would be extremely sad to see what kind of world we live in today, while George Carlin would be shouting "I TOLD YOU SO!" The 80's and 90's really were the pinnacle of better things and days, depending on where, of course.

[@mrleereads]

Some men just want to watch the world learn.

[@moneteverly5998]

❤❤❤❤

[@MarianJones-ff4zp]

I loved this show! I think the problem was that Hollywood did not like Levar Burton normalizing Black men in to society, especially our next generation. He presented the Black man as intelligent, safe, and approachable, nullifying the dominant narrative as Black men as threatening, intellectually inferior, and out of control. Thank you Levar for all of your good work!

[@shanemcgee5863]

Dont forget that the show aired during the Crack epidemic(War on Drugs) that targeted mainly black communities. Couldn't have more MLKs rising up again or black kids learning and having aspiring dreams to be something better. You don't find it the least bit suspicious that the black American culture effectively started to decline in the 70s through 80s while others remained normal or improved? Now here you have a black role model that wanted to teach and educate, couldn't have that. Gotta keep up the narrative of an aggressive black man.

[@John-du2mq]

Black people were already normalized into society and we were already leaps and bounds ahead of where we were race wise. They just don't want kids to think for themselves and stray from the weird narratives they come up with. Has nothing to do with race.

[@planetchelliwood]

This

[@vanessaelhenicky5288]

LeVar kept me in the library as well, I had a 20 book limit, lol. He wasn't the only one though. Where are the Uncle Phil's, Carl Winslow's, or Mr. Coopers' today? I saw all kinds of black families represented in the 90's & appreciate the fact I had a variety of men to look up to when my own dad wasn't around.

[@shanemcgee5863]

@vanessaelhenicky5288 they were all stamped out by the government and its activities. Couldn't have black kids aspiring to be something better than a drug dealer, basketball player or rapper. After MLK they couldn't have blacks rising up like they did before so what do you do when you can't destroy a person or people physically? You destroy them mentally and economically. You redline them, kill and ostracize their leaders, sabotage their communities and take out the fathers so that they'll turn on each other and they'll do the rest of the work for you for years to come. You don't find it the least bit suspicious that black culture severely declined after MLK while other cultures improved or remained normal. Look at it now, no unity amongst the black American people and its culture effectively destroyed. Out here destroying each other in the name of securing a "Bag" (money).

[@ADBH-sd8cz]

I was a girl with undisclosed learning difficulties, and reading was the only thing that came easily to me. This show was one of my all time favorite as a kid, and seemed the only encouragement i got for my love of books.

[@calanon534]

LeVar Burton is a truly wholesome individual, being so knee deep in education and desiring its positivity to reach so many. We need more people like him.

[@hektik7]

Do you agree with him that it should be a felony for a child to defend themselves from sexual assault?

[@bskec2177]

@@hektik7 I'll bite. What the heck are you talking about?

[@WaModimo]

Lavar Burton is a GLOBAL TREASURE! Thank you Mr.Burton for inspiring millions of children to develop a love of literature! One of my childhood heroes!

[@CelAbration]

This man was my childhood. I read books instead of eating lunch a lot as a school kid but I did it because I'd lose myself in the words. Nothing else mattered, no bully, no class, just what world this person or people built. Their adventures or life stories. I will always have a love for it even if it's harder for me to sit and focus these days.

[@KiKi-bs6lm]

Well said my friend🙂

[@kinglord7707]

In other words children looking up to an Educated black man as a role model is a threat so they cancel the show

[@bnadira212]

Exactly

[@silvermann6515]

I second that and concur wholeheartedly…😑

[@Vivalarosa45]

Hmmm... a positive black man who laughs, act human and shows he a great role model to children on a TV show? Nah, Hollywood doesn't want to see that. Keep that shit in the 80's. Its all about the tough, stereotype that looks and act like a clown and constantly says at the n-word at every sentence. That's what today's kids really want to see.

[@kinglord7707]

@@silvermann6515 It's the truth Silverman

[@silvermann6515]

@@kinglord7707 Yes it is. 1000%

[@AL-Boogie.]

I guess Lavar brainwashed me cause Mrs Daniels showed it to us religiously in elementary library class! That Reading Rainbow song still slaps to this day to me. Ultimate respect to Mr Lavar Burton! I’m now 43 years old and still remember the stories read and the field trips we went on with him! Greatest show ever created!!!If you came from the class of 97 and before, Lavar is your smart big brother that you never met!! A true educational gangsta!!💯💪🏿

[@AnarkeeSoundVibes]

Or he's the teacher that you wish was in your school. Class of 97.

[@AL-Boogie.]

@@AnarkeeSoundVibes big facts!!!!😂💯💪🏿

[@MarleyMonreaux]

Class of 2010.

[@Voodooray007]

Class of 1992

[@blackdragon6]

Class of 99

[@kokoro37]

It's shocking how much I loved this show. It sparked a love of books that still exists today. Thank you LeVar Burton. ❤

[@JediJMay]

Was quite literally watching Reading Rainbow with my three year old early today. I loved the show growing up and like to watch it with him, along with Mr. Rodgers and Lambchop as well 💚

[@AL-Boogie.]

Excellent job you are doing! Keep this dope show’s spirit alive for all generations after us! I salute you!!💯💪🏿

[@rizingpho3nix]

The current society has canceled shows that helped make alot of us growing up.

[@FreqsandVibes]

The song that never ends. Is that on lambchop?

[@JEDASE]

@@FreqsandVibesYes

[@Dcourtlynjackson13]

❤ just bought a lamb chop teddy bear

[@hardwire187]

Levar Burton is a good man. It felt safe watching Reading Rainbow and I actually went to the library and checked out books he and the kids talked about. It’s insane that there wasn’t an adult version of this on television, a smart helpful show reviewing books and recommending things to pick up.

[@RY-os9vw]

You know something is wrong with society when they cancel a man recommending children to read books 😒😢! So it's fine to waste your life away watching mindless media, but don't pick up those "scary" books-smh. 😒 A functionally illiterate society is easier to control than a literate one, especially when the literate generations are dying off...

[@josephpurdy8390]

If secondary education institutions provided to public libraries. The best five books to read, before starting your academic pursuits. That are taught in specific fields of study, for which one recieves a degree. Those students will be more knowledgeable on the subject matter. They shall also be able to make an informed decision prior to finishing the reading of them.

[@bradistic]

His podcast is essentially Reading Rainbow for adults.

[@Melissa0774]

They do have Book TV on C span.

[@CreoleJukeBoXx]

LeVar Burton is the reason I love to read. I have even passed my love of books on to my children. Thank you, LeVar!!!

[@tipsybass7060]

growing up in the 1980s, I religiously watched Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, and Reading Rainbow. I am from a single parent, abusive and alcoholic household. I think these two shows helped mold me into the compassionate, kind, and caring person that I am today. I loved to read as well, as it was an escape to worlds that weren't like my own. As an adult, I realise as a kid, I had a deeper understanding of a lot of things that were way ahead of my age. Thank you, LaVar, for teaching me about life that I wasn't getting in my own home. I took my love of reading when teaching ESL for kids. I told them if they can read and understand what they are reading, they can do anything!

[@RY-os9vw]

Wow-we lived similar lives. Yes, both of those shows were a major impact in my life too. These men defied the growing social construct that men are not important in developing the minds of the youth-women dominate in primary schools and fields that shape the youth. Thank you to Mr. Rogers, Levar Burton, and all of the men on Sesame Street that showed positive male role models who cared for and nurtured a child's mind and heart! ♥ ♥ ♥

[@tipsybass7060]

@@RY-os9vw​​⁠I had awesome 2nd and 3rd grade male teachers.. but you’re correct, very few male role models in teaching.

[@Rose-kj7rz]

Same. I also grew up with old school Sesame Street. These 3 shows were the foundation of my childhood and the whole reason I am nothing like the rest of my family.

[@contessagarrett3729]

They would play this at schools in the 90s...I miss it. I still love reading. I'm a proud reading rainbow kid!!!

[@sircharlesmormont9300]

Most recently, LeVar Burton partnered with the American Library Association as the spokesperson for this year's banned books week. I can't think of a better spokesperson. From a working librarian who grew up with Reading Rainbow: thank you, Mr. Burton!

[@Moni-cx1nj]

Wow🤯 a society of workers not thinkers. This show was a threat. Makes sense

[@denverjohnson5640]

Bingo! His signature "Don't take my word for it!" Was a charge to discover and learn for ourselves. Part of the reason many of us today still won't drink the kool-aid!

[@Talora816]

exactly! 👏🏾

[@Jenni_Lou]

🎯💯

[@Chesh89]

He's one of the greats and my childhood wouldn't have been as rich without this show. It definitely helped fuel my love of books and fascination with different places and cultures in a huge way. LeVar Burton is up there with Bob Ross, Fred Rogers and Steve Irwin

[@22steve5150]

Absolutely tragic for entire generations of American children that this wonderful show was canceled because of entrenched bigotry in the system. PBS educational programming was the greatest force for children back in the day. LeVar Burton taught us how books can change our lives, Fred Rodgers taught us to be good citizens, Bob Ross taught us how to paint, and Mark Whistler taught us how to draw. Then there's Sesame Street which was just plain magical, and also (much to the chagrin of bigots) positively showed diverse urban communities.

[@mskay7817]

Well said!🥰

[@plantsforlife1120]

Levar is the MAN!!!!! I was an adult enjoying Levar’s Reading Rainbow!! Some of TV”s BEST broadcasting and hosting!!!! Thank you Mr. Burton!!!!!!

[@chelebelle2223]

😉👍 I hear ya!

[@Fresh2Def2001]

He was a huge positive figure in my childhood and I'm 41yrs old now!!! Much love and respect to him 💯

[@beeggym666]

Mr. Burton showed a generation how kindness and imagination was cool. He was a friend who spoke to us as equals with sincerity and wonder. But you don't have to take my word for it!

[@samsonm.5372]

I grew up in low income housing and had parents who struggled learning English as a second language. I would watch reading rainbow 🌈 and be encouraged to read books for enjoyment and adventure. I remember my mom would watch with me and pick up things through her broken English. She would practice english through the show. Now im 30 and about to graduate with my masters. His presence was powerful and so encouraging ❤ I will say now in my 30's the episode I remember the most was the story of the Chinese emperor who gave seeds to the children and would select the next emperor based on the flower that would bloom in the pot~ from the seed given. The child who took the seed and tended to it despite it not growing and presented an empty pot to the emperor and was chosen as the one was so powerful to me. All the seeds given were cooked so they couldn't grow. The emperor was looking for character & honesty to see which child would show up with the empty pot. ❤ I will read this book to my children. Thank you reading rainbow. 📚

[@jamieserrano827]

I loved Reading Rainbow as a child. It encouraged my love of reading, and offered a limitless portal to adventures everywhere through literacy LeVar Burton gets nothing but my love and admiration for his association with this show

[@mzeasha2]

As an 80’s baby he helped shape my childhood. I loved this show and I respect him. Thank you for this video! I can still hear the song in my head🥰 sweet memories

[@Monkey_Boy9602]

Being bullied for my medical problems led to me skipping school. A lot. As soon as the morning cartoons were over, I'd change the channel to PBS until 3:00, when the afternoon cartoons began. "Reading Rainbow" was one of my favorite shows on the channel. In fact, it was because of it that I watched "Star Trek: The Next Generation" since Levar Burton was a regular character on the show!

[@mercurry718]

Agreed...

[@planetchelliwood]

It definitely got me hooked on Star Trek as a franchise, too!

[@DippedInInk]

I was heartbroken when this show ended. Loved it more than Sesame Street. The world needs this show back.

[@josephgrimminck6855]

I hope generations to come get this quality of programming. Loved Reading Rainbow! Old school Sesame Street, and other shows were just just had people and teachers, not a forced diversity. Just people who wanted more intelligent children. ❤

[@AnarkeeSoundVibes]

Not gonna lie, I love to read today because I watched reading rainbow as a child. I didn't take a Gameboy on road trips, I was bringing books. The call of the wild, swiss family Robinson, Robinson Caruso, don Quixote, and treasure Island are still some of my favorite books.

[@jojoe4093]

*Robinson Crusoe Facts!

[@AnarkeeSoundVibes]

@@jojoe4093 thanks for the correction. Damn autocorrect.

[@jojoe4093]

@@AnarkeeSoundVibes I know. I totally get your 1st comment. I used to get in trouble for reading at home and at school.

[@AnarkeeSoundVibes]

@@jojoe4093 why? That sounds counterproductive to your education and development.

[@skyydancer67]

​@@jojoe4093if it's during class time, I totally get that. I always borrowed a book of poems and short horror stories as a kid. Had to have my horror fix before someone caught me. Fun times. 😂

[@levitribe3141]

The problem was black kids was looking up to him so they read books, and that was the only problem

[@dmblake4]

Absolutely agree!

[@jelanitarik7423]

💯💯💯💯💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@NoOneSaint]

🎯l loved watching reading 🌈 as a kid! I read all through high-school.

[@herbmamasujaiatpeacefulwel8569]

Exactly!

[@ayejay8862]

That's part of it, I think. But also, he urged kids to think for themselves. That probably is just as much of a threat if not more to the powers that be, who prefer you think the way they tell you to. All of the plans they have for us sheep will not go as smoothly if you have generations of people thinking critically. But there is also definitely the racist aspect. After Mr. Rogers, there is really no white counterpart to LeVar Burton, and racists cannot accept a black man being the face of literacy and critical thinking.

[@queenzelda]

My father was a reading teacher and when the government started to teach to the test and not actually teach how to read he used to tell me he thought it was to brain wash them. Think about how true those words are. Because thinking for yourself is a threat. Especially with young people.

[@dahomiedirty8361]

I was definitely one of his students... and I still luv to read til this very day. Never knew his story til this content came across my feed.... truly grateful for the guy .... one of few real teachers

[@patriciabusch4599]

I was a PBS kid and LOVED THIS SHOW. Levar and that show were amazing. Of course Hollyweird viewed this show as a threat because they cant have free thinking child who would turn i to free thinking adults. Look at what Sesame Street is now. Its not about ABCs and 123s anymore. I respect him for being consistent with his message and finding ever more creative ways to keep pushing child literacy.

[@cardo92w]

I haven't kept up with Sesame Street. Are you referring to the two male muppets that are now "special roommates"?

[@rubies200]

THIS.

[@UndetectedKiIler]

Looked boring so I switched over to GI Joe and Thunder cats

[@UndetectedKiIler]

@@cardo92w other wise known as the two gay lords

[@Ubothered]

Even Arthur is messed up now. Arthur's male teacher is now gay and married a man. I don't even watch cable anymore.

[@PoisonJarl71501]

I’m in my 40’s and sometimes randomly sing the reading rainbow song. Levar was a treasure to kids my age

[@HalfLatinaJoy86]

I was going through a lot of mental health issues as well as neglect, was in foster care and juvenile detention and group homes by the time I was 12 in the 90's. Reading saved my life and is the ONLY thing that got me through my childhood. This show helped me to learn and grow and enjoy reading and learning. I learned MORALS from books and is the ONLY reason I learned any (because the life I was living wasn't teaching me any).

[@crazycatlady183]

❤😊

[@micrhymer4062]

This inspired me to read , and by the time i was 12 i was reading and writing essays on a college level.

[@citizencoy4393]

Same. I remember yt parents storming the class yelling bc they thought my parents were writing my assignments.

[@turquesa_8056]

My teacher was surprised I could read at a college level too at such a young age. All I ever did was read and watch PBS during the week and catch cartoons on the weekends lol.

[@kydeerhunter5]

I wished I had Reading Rabow when I was a little boy. I was 16 when Reading Rabow aired. I watched some of the episodes when I could with my busy teen life. The show is a blessing to young minds to challenge them to read, learn, and discover the world around them. LeVar Burton helped them and encouraged them to think on their own. We need shows like this, and Mister Roger's back on the air today.

[@ajgrand]

He definitely made an impact on me as a kid

[@MsLisaAnnette]

Show shouldn't have been canceled

[@wednesdaysangel1]

I was also a fan of Star Trek next generation as a 90’s kid visiting my grandmas house and I can say I couldn’t get enough of the show in school and it helped me to be a better reader during reading assignments in class because he was an inspiration and honestly if Hollywood doesn’t like it, to heck with them! Reading rainbow was a good show and I learned a lot about pronunciation and reading pace.

[@blackwunk]

I was an inner city child of the 70s and 80s & have been watching reading rainbow since it's inception. Thanks to my Dad and Grandfather I've always been a strong reader since kindergarten. Reading Rainbow to me was like a MASSIVE power boost for something that I already enjoyed doing & great people like LeVar Burton were instrumental in helping me to benefit more from books in general.

[@Keepingthetowel]

This man is a legend. Reading Rainbow was a major instrument to helping me love reading as I hated it as a child. Whatever Levar was reading, I was reading.

[@RY-os9vw]

Right! Any book that he showed on the air was the next "it" book you wanted to read! 🙌🏾🥳😂💯

[@christywilson986]

As a mother I was happy having my kids watch Reading Rainbow.

[@billbillson3129]

I absolutely loved this show. I can still remember the entire theme song. Unfortunately all too often the things in our lives that foster positivity are destroyed for the sake of profit. It literally seems like family, community, and anything else that contributes to personal feelings of security and stability are under attack by those who would prey upon the confused, uncertain, and fearful. Good luck out there everyone.

[@zabeth11173]

As a child of color Reading Rainbow introduced me to the world of 📚 📖 📙 📘 📚 books. I love Levar Burton to this day. A very wholesome show that celebrated the written word and impacted MANY lives. Taking children into the portals of different worlds. 🌎 ✨️.

[@reddster6285]

Every child's day in the 90s would brighten whenever they walked into the classroom and saw the tv cart at the front of the class. They knew it was either Reading Rainbow, Magic Schoolbus, or Bill Nye the Science Guy.

[@KraZgmr]

LeVar Burton was amazing when I was younger! I loved that show and how positive it always was. I was shocked to know that through great core values of stories he stayed positive and made it for more generations of children could listen to his awesome, welcoming voice. His positivity made me read all kinds of diverse stories. Thanks again LeVar!

[@RegalToneT]

Ladies and gentlemen I am not surprised at this. Remember what times we are living in and who’s running this. A show like this can open up minds in a very positive and powerful way as it did myself. If you know you know..

[@paulfortney4725]

Just look at all of the book banning efforts by the right wing going on now, keeps kids from learning the lessons Mr. Burton was teaching on his show.

[@tranz2deep]

Fred Rogers also treated kids like actual people with his ministry of kindness and understanding, namely _Mister Rogers' Neighborhood_

[@kaseyb.4440]

Discovering this show as a child was life changing!!! I also watched 3-2-1 Contact as well!! PBS was the go to channel!! ❤️

[@annettecaitlyn1058]

I loved 3-2-1 contact

[@THEMilaTigger]

I love LeVar Burton. Loved Reading Rainbow. Loved him as Geordie LaForge in Star Trek. And he still looks so dashing! I now subscribe to his podcast. It's fantastic! It's like jumping back to my younger years watching Reading Rainbow. He needs to come back to do another TV show. He is someone we need back in our lives and lives of our kids.

[@boonp.7935]

I missed the song.Butterfly in the sky I can go twice as high Take a look It's in a book A reading rainbow I can go anywhere Friends to know And ways to grow A reading rainbow I can be anything Take a look It's in a book A reading rainbow

[@HaggisFist]

I have somewhere around 500 books in my home. At one point I had triple that but not enough room so I donated a ton to our county library. And I can’t even pretend it wasn’t because of this man. This show was the gateway to an incredible life. I owe this man, in the very least, a beer and a big ass hug.

[@benjie128]

I have thirteen bookshelves. I love books!

[@HushTarot1111]

This man changed my life! I was reading at a college level in 5th grade because of Levar Burton 😭😭😭

[@elishaforrester1150]

I read the hobbit by gr 4 (my dad was a J.r.r Tolkien fans and had all the books)

[@carlreed3563]

🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯

[@mirawind9126]

OMG I just shed tears. I was a reading rainbow and next gen kid and I always respected him as someone who already was in the better future people talked about. From the way he talked to kids to experiencing diverse cultures to frankly befriending an Android but I didn't realize that after the show got cancelled HE KEPT GOING this is a man who stood up for kids in a time when kids were really struggling with streets becoming dangerous and technology advancing at an exponential rate we couldn't be naive and innocent like previous generations nor could we keep up with all the changes of how the world works that our own teachers didn't understand. But LeVar taught us to listen to different kinds of people and to problem solve and shared with us enough different worlds that our own world wasn't so scary anymore.

[@stirredsoul2197]

Because of LaVar Burton & Reading Rainbow, I became an avid reader. I'm 47 years old and still carry a book everywhere I go. Just in case I have to wait, or just need something to do, I can pick up a book. Thank you Mr. Burton for your influence. 💐💐💐❤

[@blazefairchild465]

My youngest son used to enjoy this show, he is a History Professor now ,mostly because he loved reading about history since he was a young boy. Had he not been so well read young , he would have never mastered all the reading required for his later studies.

[@PeacelordApropos]

I want reading rainbow with updated resolution so my kids don't wine about the video! I loved this show and reading because of Levar and this show

[@melissad.1885]

This show was amazing! You sang, laughed, and learned all at the same time.

[@bnadira212]

Watching this video and watching these old clips warms my heart; like, I legit got tears-eyed. I absolutely loved Reading Rainbow and PBS in general ❤❤❤

[@silvermann6515]

Levar Burton was the key

[@shirleyalston3074]

👍🏿🤎🤍🖤💜❤️🧡💛💚💙👍🏿

[@tacticalmanagerbabymommaak5825]

I remember reading rainbow. Not much but I did. I did watch it some times. Thank you good sir.

[@tiffanyharrell757]

And till this very Day I still love reading books

[@kstarks9049]

This show was a positive influence on my childhood and I’m thankful to Levar Burton and the others who made that show possible.

[@electricsuitbatman]

God bless you LaVar. You helped us kids accept our empathic side. You show was on a level equal with Mr.Rogers. ,Mr Dress-up, and Jim Henson. Love you buddy.

[@abbe1abbe156]

Reading Rainbow was one of my favorites as a child. The impact of this program on many of us who grew up with it was tremendous.

[@luciditywaling]

I was older when this came out, but it was the only children's show at that time that I truly liked. It was real, kind, artistic, and intelligent.

[@elishaforrester1150]

This show, art attack and hinterland whos who, were top tier tv entertainment

[@ACEDBH]

As a kid in the 80’s, I grew up watching Reading Rainbow and Mr. Rogers everyday. We need shows like this now. Levar Burton was a great host!

[@timray4988]

Yo this was my show as a child. I watched all them joints and it was a man I could relate too. He’s one of the reasons I learned to think outside the box and that I can achieve anything.

[@rubies200]

They want kids to be stupid and limited, in these "modern" days.

[@N0bodyn01]

Reading Rainbow was infinitely valuable to us. I’m 32, and I was way too restless to even think about sitting down to read. It scared me. And that song would come on. And I would be hooked. It makes me emotional, really. And he was the PERFECT person fit the job. Literally made me want to read and changed my life. And I’m certain it had this effect on countless others. Sad world we live in, that this is viewed as a bad thing to anyone. And I know why. But that’s a depressing rabbit hole to go down. Protect your kids. Hopefully we get back to valuing and nurturing our minds and spirits. And the tyranny that wants us ignorant is lost to history.

[@fireside68]

Unfortunately, the "tyranny that wants us ignorant" is yet another example of history rhyming. Keeping the masses easy to persuade via denial of education is at the root of the falls of many a civilization throughout the past 12,000+ years of human settlement history.

[@stepsofashaman...4283]

Yup, I was brainwashed... to be a better person. Props to LEVAR BURTON. He is awesome.

[@gerardlee7088]

I don't remember Lavar Burton doing anything offensive on that show. I guess the show was too old fashion for the new generation viewers.

[@mikochild2]

The whole video was about people thinking it wasn't conventional enough and how money took priority over education.

[@John-du2mq]

They don't want kids learning anything that will stray them from their narrative. They want to program the kids to accept sexual deviance and make them activists to their woke cause.

[@b.g.bbeezo100]

No he was a black man being great and powers that be don't want young black children looking up to that

[@gerardlee7088]

@@b.g.bbeezo100 thank you so much I should have just came out and said it.