Clianda Florence is an educator, author, mother of three, and literacy advocate with more than

20 years of experience leading in education and community development. Inspired by the

legacy of her grandfather, the late Franklin Florence, a civil rights leader in Rochester, she has

devoted her life to making literacy a pathway to empowerment, equity, and social justice.

 

She is the founder and CEO of Strength 2 Say, a platform offering classes, professional

development, and book studies, and Let’s Get L.I.T. (Liberating Individuals through Literary

Texts), a nonprofit that brings literacy directly into homes through family-centered programs,

book clubs, block parties, and summer sessions. She also hosts the Let’s Get L.I.T. radio

podcast on WDKX 103.9 FM, where she amplifies diverse voices and conversations on literacy,

education, and community transformation.

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Florence’s work has been widely recognized. She has been honored with inclusion in Marquis

Who’s Who and received the New York State Senate Award and the Jeremy Cooney

Commendation Award.

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Her academic journey includes a B.A. in Psychology from Bennett College, a Master of

Education in Elementary Education from Nazareth University, and a Master’s in Educational

Administration from SUNY Brockport.

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Resilient in the face of personal challenges, Florence believes that literacy is not only a skill but

a form of liberation. She recently announced her collaboration with Sebrone O. Johnson and

EDceptional to connect in-school learning with out-of-school learning countywide for families.

Now, as a candidate for the New York State Assembly 136th District, Florence is building on her

lifelong commitment to education, families, and community empowerment. Her mission is clear:

to ensure every child and family has the tools, resources, and opportunities to thrive. As she

affirms, “Literacy is the greatest social justice issue of our time."