Literacy is one of the strongest predictors of adult success, yet one in four children are illiterate and 50% of adults cannot read a book that is written on an eighth grade level. Although African American children from low-income homes are three times more likely than White children to be poor, and at greater risk for illiteracy, this author is aware of no studies that have linked childhood literacy with the inherent strengths of Black families. Drawing on the strengths of Black families previously identified by other scholars, it is proposed that the inherent intergenerational strengths of these families can increase family literacy and facilitate stronger emotional bonds between its members. Recommendations and implications for educators and researchers are provided.