Led by radio personality\u00a0DeeDee McGuire<\/a>, the celebration blended storytelling, free books for children and complimentary Happy Meals, transforming the neighborhood restaurant into a space where literacy and community came together.<\/p>\n For organizers, the event was more than a celebration. It was a reminder that access to books and encouragement from community leaders can shape a child\u2019s future.<\/p>\n A Decade of Literacy and Community<\/p>\n For ten years, the Dallas chapter of the\u00a0National Black McDonald\u2019s Owner Operators Association\u00a0has partnered with\u00a0The Continental Societies, Inc.<\/a>\u00a0to host African American Read-In events across North Texas. Location owners Anthony and Arminda Grissett of\u00a0Grissett Enterprises<\/a> were personally excited to commemorate a decade of the event.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve been committed to doing this for ten years,\u201d Anthony Grissett said. \u201cEven during COVID, we did it online. We did a virtual version. So it\u2019s our commitment to our community, our children, literacy and an amazing brand called McDonald\u2019s that offers scholarships and opportunities for all.\u201d<\/p>\n The Grisettes have been proudly owning and operating McDonald\u2019s restaurants in Everman, Arlington, Irving, and Hillsboro, TX, for over 30 years. <\/p>\n The initiative is part of a national effort to promote literacy while celebrating Black authors, storytelling traditions and the cultural importance of reading.<\/p>\n Owners explained that the partnership reflects a long-standing commitment to families who live in the communities surrounding their restaurants.<\/p>\n During the Arlington event, every child in attendance received a free book and branded swag, along with a Happy Meal. The experience also included photo opportunities with the McDonald\u2019s character Grimace, turning the afternoon into a joyful celebration for young readers.<\/p>\n Literacy as the Key to the Future<\/p>\n The afternoon goes beyond one afternoon of storytelling, event organizers made clear. Arminda explained that she sees literacy as a gateway to opportunity.<\/p>\n Reading, Anthony added on, opens the door to everything that follows in a child\u2019s life: from understanding math and science to developing leadership skills, literacy forms the foundation for long-term success.<\/p>\n \u201cThe opportunity to educate and inspire and create future leaders is our passion and our dream,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n At the heart of the Grissetts\u2019 message is a broader encouragement to dream boldly and pursue those ambitions with intention.<\/p>\n \u201cIf there\u2019s anyone listening who has dreams and wants them to come true,\u201d Anthony Grissett said, \u201cthey should consider coming to McDonald\u2019s so we can teach them leadership, provide education and opportunities that can take them wherever their dreams may lead.\u201d<\/p>\n That belief drives their work not only during Black History Month but throughout the year. Many local McDonald\u2019s owner operators partner with schools across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, visiting classrooms to speak with students about education, career pathways and entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n Through scholarship programs and mentorship opportunities, they encourage students to imagine possibilities beyond what they see in their immediate environment.<\/p>\n Their message to young people is simple. The skills learned in school today can lead to leadership tomorrow.<\/p>\n From Dream Board to Nine Restaurants<\/p>\n Grisettes also shared their personal journey, one rooted in faith, family and persistence.<\/p>\n What began as a dream eventually became a thriving family business.<\/p>\n The owner recalled working in the food industry as a teenager and later attending\u00a0Florida A&M University\u00a0before moving to North Texas. At one point, he and his wife created a vision board mapping out their goals for the next twenty years.<\/p>\n Among those goals were two restaurants.<\/p>\n Today, that vision has grown into ownership of nine McDonald\u2019s locations, with multiple members of their family involved in the business. For them, the journey reflects what can happen when determination meets opportunity.<\/p>\n Their story is one they often share with students, especially those who may not realize how far a first job can take them.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DDD_4175-1.jpg\")
The initiative, which has been running for a decade, aims to promote literacy and celebrate Black authors and storytelling traditions. Credit: Steven D Hill Photography<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DDD_4164-1.jpg\")
As the African American Read-In returns next February, it\u2019s worth reflecting on the importance of literacy and community in shaping the next generation of leaders. Credit: Steven D Hill Photography.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_1220.jpg\")
The Grisett family, who own and operate nine McDonald\u2019s locations in North Texas, have been instrumental in organizing the event, partnering with The Continental Societies, Inc. The Grisett Family of Grisett Enterprises pictured with DeDe McGuire and Grimace. Credit: Steven D Hill Photography<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_1216.jpg\")
Dallas\u2019 National Black McDonald\u2019s Owner Operators Association celebrated the 10th African American Read-In, promoting literacy and community engagement. The event offered free books, Happy Meals, and emphasized the importance of reading for future success. Credit: Steven D Hill Photography<\/p>\n