For Bilal Polson, literacy is about more than words printed on a page.
The Northern Parkway Elementary School principal sees literacy in music, movement, culture and the stories people build around the things that matter to them. He explored that idea during a presentation on July 7 at the Uniondale Public Library as part of the library’s African American 250 series.
Polson described his approach as “textual sonic literacy lineage,” a framework that connects literature and music across generations and encourages people to consider how both shape identity and understanding.
“I wanted people to leave knowing that this is another way to think about the African American experience,” Polson said.
Polson began with his own relationship with literature and music. He said The Autobiography of Malcolm X established him as a lover of literature, while James Brown’s “Funky Drummer” inspired his lifelong appreciation for music and movement.
“That particular beat or song made me a lifelong lover of music and movement,” he said.
From there, Polson presented a chronological look at the connections between African American writers, thinkers, musicians and composers.
He began with Jupiter Hammon, whom he described as the first African American to be published, and noted he was from Long Island. He connected Hammon’s literary contributions with musicians and composers, including Frank Johnson, before continuing through figures such as William C. Handy and Carter G. Woodson.
Rather than simply presenting historical figures, Polson asked attendees to consider their own “textual sonic lineage” — the books, music, people and experiences that shaped them.
The presentation unfolded alongside a hands-on craft organized by the library as part of its African American 250 series. , adding a tactile element to the conversation about literacy.
For Polson, the activity reinforced the same concept he was discussing.
“We talked about the varying modalities of literacy, we talked about visuals,” he said. “I put emphasis on the audio, but then in real time dealing with the tactiles, for me it’s all connected.”
As a principal, Polson said he applies the educational ideas he researches in his daily work with students. For kids who are interested in music and gaming, those interests can become entry points to more traditional forms of literacy.
“When kids learn that the things they love the most [are] considered a literacy,” Polson said. “It allows them the ability to connect it to all forms of literacy.”
That philosophy is rooted in Polson’s own experiences with libraries and literature. He described himself as a “self-proclaimed book geek” and said libraries were important hubs while he was growing up.
He has also presented at academic conferences and contributed to manuscripts and peer-reviewed articles. In February, he gave a presentation on historian Carter Woodson at the Bay Shore Library after being invited by the Bay Shore Historical Society. “I’m not just a researcher,” he said. “To get the opportunity to apply what I think on a daily basis. I think bringing in an academic space is important – speaking at libraries are important to me.”
He hopes students recognize that their own literacy identities are valid.
“It is all valid and all important,” Polson said.
