Our Story. Our Mission. Our Community.
Fourth POV, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization rooted in Hartford, CT — committed to empowering Black boys, youth, and families in underrepresented communities through creative writing, publishing, and literacy programs that build confidence, amplify voices, and open real pathways to opportunity.
"We believe every child carries a story worth telling — and every story, told boldly, has the power to change a life."
Fourth POV, Inc. was founded on a simple but urgent truth: that Black boys and youth in underrepresented communities are too often left out of the literary and creative economy — not because they lack talent or vision, but because no one built the door. We are building the door.
Through programming rooted in literacy, storytelling, and creative entrepreneurship, we work alongside youth, families, and communities in Hartford, CT to make sure their voices are not just heard — but published, celebrated, and sustained.
Our Mission
To inspire and empower youth and families in underrepresented communities through writing, publishing, and literacy programs rooted in equity, creativity, and opportunity.
Our Vision
A Hartford — and a world — where every young person has the tools, the platform, and the confidence to tell their own story and build their own future.
Our Story
How We Got Started
Fourth POV, Inc. did not begin with a strategic plan or a grant opportunity. It began with a number — a literacy statistic presented at a board meeting for Achievement First Hartford Academy that stopped Erwin T. Hurst, Sr. cold.
The data confirmed what many in Hartford already knew but rarely said out loud: Black and brown children were falling behind in reading and writing at alarming rates. The COVID-19 pandemic had not created the problem — it had exposed and widened a gap that was already growing. Sitting in that meeting, Erwin made a decision that would change the direction of his life's work.
Where We Are Now
Fourth POV, Inc. is now a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Hartford, Connecticut — the city where Erwin was born, raised, and educated. Not in Hartford's schools, which for decades carried a reputation that sent families like his reaching for alternatives — he was bussed to a suburban district, as so many Hartford children were. But Hartford is home. And thirty years after graduation, not enough has changed.
Fourth POV exists because Hartford does not need outsiders to arrive with solutions. It needs its own people — people who grew up here, who understand the weight of that literacy gap personally — to build something real.
Equity
Every child deserves access regardless of zip code or circumstance.
Authenticity
We honor real stories, real voices, and real experiences.
Resilience
We build strength through creativity, not in spite of challenges.
Community
We are rooted in Hartford and accountable to the people we serve.
Representation
We create space for voices that publishing has long ignored.
Healing
We believe storytelling is medicine for the mind and the spirit.
Opportunity
We turn creative talent into real economic pathways.
Excellence
We hold ourselves and our programs to the highest standard.
The Work In Numbers
Year Founded
Federally Recognized
Core Programs
Every Dollar Moves the Mission Forward
Fourth POV, Inc. is funded by people who believe that literacy changes lives. We are a lean, community-rooted organization — which means your gift goes directly to programming, materials, and the youth and families we serve. No fluff. No overhead bloat. Just impact.
What is Fourth POV, Inc.?
Fourth POV, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Hartford, Connecticut that empowers Black boys, youth, and families in underrepresented communities through creative writing, publishing, and literacy programs. We run three core programs — the Small Press Incubator Program, Fourth Healing, and the Parent Literacy Power Initiative.
Who do your programs serve?
Our programs serve youth, young adults, and families in Hartford and surrounding communities — with a specific focus on Black boys and children in underrepresented communities who have historically been left out of the literary and creative economy.
How can I get my child involved in a Fourth POV program?
We are currently building our program calendar and partnerships with schools and community organizations in Hartford. The best way to stay informed is to contact us directly at info@fourthpov.org or sign up for updates through our contact form. We will notify you as soon as enrollment opens.
How is Fourth POV funded?
Fourth POV is funded through a combination of individual donations, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and community partnerships. As a 501(c)(3) organization all donations are tax deductible. One hundred percent of program funding goes directly to youth and families we serve.
How can I support Fourth POV if I can't donate financially?
There are several ways to get involved beyond financial giving. You can volunteer your time and skills, partner with us to bring programming to your school or organization, sponsor a journal or workshop, or simply spread the word about our mission in your community. Visit our Get Involved page to learn more.
Is Fourth POV only for kids who are already good at writing?
Absolutely not. Our programs are designed for young people at all skill levels — including those who have never thought of themselves as writers. We believe every person has a story worth telling. Our job is to help them find it, shape it, and share it.
How do I know my donation is making a real impact?
Fourth POV is committed to transparency and accountability. As a federally recognized 501(c)(3) organization we are required to file annual reports with the IRS. We also share program updates, impact stories, and organizational news through our blog and social media channels so donors can see exactly where their support is going.
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
Whether you're a parent, educator, community partner, or someone who simply believes in the power of story — we want to hear from you. Reach out to learn more about our programs, explore partnership opportunities, or find out how you can support the next generation of Hartford's storytellers.
Mailing Address
142 Weson Street, Box 183
Hartford, CT 06142