LeVar Burton, the beloved Star Trek actor, embarked on a journey that transcended his role as Geordi La Forge, reaching into the hearts of the young and old alike with his commitment to children’s literature and education through the iconic show, Reading Rainbow. Burton’s career, intertwined with his passion for storytelling and literacy, led to a groundbreaking moment in 2014 when he spearheaded a Kickstarter campaign to bring Reading Rainbow into the digital age. The campaign was a resounding success, amassing over $5 million and making it one of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns of its time.
A Journey from Starship to Storybooks
Burton’s portrayal of Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation won him a legion of fans, but his heart always seemed to have a special place for his role as the host of Reading Rainbow. The show, which began airing in 1983, wasn’t just about reading books; it was about igniting a love for reading through captivating storytelling and interactive lessons. Burton’s warmth and genuine enthusiasm made him the perfect host, turning the program into a beloved staple for children across America.
“LeVar Burton was brought in for the iconic show Reading Rainbow,” producer Larry Lancit recounted to Mental Floss. “Lynne [Ganek] called us and said, ‘You really need to see this guy. He’ll be on the six o’clock news.’”
Resurrecting Reading Rainbow for the Internet Generation
By 2006, despite its popularity, Reading Rainbow aired its last episode. However, Burton was not ready to let the legacy end there. With the advent of digital media and changing consumption habits, he saw an opportunity to reintroduce the show to a new generation. The digital transformation led to the creation of the Skybrary app, a vibrant online library that offers children access to thousands of books and educational materials.
Burton’s Kickstarter campaign, launched to fund this vision, struck a chord with fans and educators alike, leading to a historic fundraising effort. “It was important to bring Reading Rainbow back for the internet generation to continue the mission of inspiring children to love reading,” Burton explained. The campaign’s success demonstrated a collective endorsement of his vision, reflecting a society that values literary education.
Beyond Reading Rainbow: Continuing the Legacy
LeVar Burton’s commitment to storytelling and literacy did not end with the rebirth of Reading Rainbow. In 2017, he launched LeVar Burton Reads, a podcast that offers adults the chance to experience the magic of being read to, just as children did with Reading Rainbow. Each episode features Burton reading a different piece of short fiction, drawing listeners into a world of imagination and narrative.
Moreover, the impact of Reading Rainbow and Burton’s dedication to literacy was captured in the 2022 Netflix documentary, Butterfly in the Sky. The documentary chronicles the show’s journey and its profound impact on its viewers and participants alike.
LeVar Burton’s legacy is not merely limited to his roles in television and film but is deeply etched in his efforts to promote reading and education. His work continues to inspire new generations to discover the joy of reading, proving that a good story can indeed change the world. As Reading Rainbow continues to be celebrated and accessed on platforms like Apple TV+ and Spotify, Burton’s vision for a literate world seems more achievable than ever.