Billboard Artist Elijah Connor Joins Celebrity Powerhouses Oprah Winfrey, Snoop Dogg, Denzel Washington, Taylor Swift, and Ice Cube in ALA's Iconic READ Campaign
Billboard-charting artist, TV personality, and author Elijah Connor is the latest high-profile name to join the American Library Association’s (ALA) legendary Celebrity READ Campaign, standing alongside icons such as Oprah Winfrey, Snoop Dogg, Denzel Washington, Taylor Swift, and Ice Cube.
Since its launch in 1985, the ALA’s Celebrity READ Campaign has harnessed the star power of over 200 influential figures to emphasize the vital importance of reading and literacy.
This ongoing movement continues to inspire new generations to embrace the transformative power of books and storytelling.
Elijah Connor’s participation in the campaign coincides with the upcoming release of his highly anticipated memoir, Behind The Stare, slated for publication in August 2025 by Penguin Light Publishing.
The book delves into the untold story behind the viral moment that made him a household name — the intense, unwavering stare-down with Sean “Diddy” Combs on Fox’s The Four: Battle For Stardom — and the truths that followed when the cameras stopped rolling.
“I believe in the power of stories — not just to entertain, but to heal, to challenge, and to connect us,” says Connor. “The READ Campaign aligns with everything I stand for as an artist and now as an author. Stories saved me. I want others to know that theirs matter, too.”
A native of Detroit and the younger cousin of the late music icon Prince, Elijah Connor has carved out a global fanbase through his distinctive voice, undeniable charisma, and purpose-driven artistry.
His support of the READ Campaign reflects his deep-rooted belief in the power of storytelling to uplift, educate, and unite communities.
