Nashville Launches Black Book Project for Children’s Literature

News Summary

The Black Book Project aims to collect 10,000 children’s books featuring characters of color this Black History Month. Founded by educator Meredith McKinney, the initiative highlights the need for representation in children’s literature and encourages community participation through a book drop-off event and online donations.

Welcome to Nashville’s Inspiring Black Book Project

In the heart of Nashville, an exciting initiative is making waves this Black History Month. The Black Book Project is on a mission to collect a whopping 10,000 children’s books featuring characters of color. This remarkable project, launched in 2020, has its roots in the passion of local educator and Nashville native, Meredith McKinney, who understands firsthand the importance of representation in children’s literature.

The Birth of an Idea

McKinney’s journey to create the Black Book Project began while serving on the board of a local nonprofit. She noticed a significant gap in the availability of books that represented Black and brown children. Despite being in a multicultural society, only a surprising 13% of children’s books published showcase characters of color. This shocking statistic drove her to take action and inspire change through the power of storytelling.

Why Representation Matters

Representation in literature is crucial for a child’s development. When children see characters that look like them, it fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment. This initiative aims to make sure that every child has access to stories that reflect their identity, helping them to feel valued and appreciated. The message is simple yet profound: every child deserves to see themselves in the stories they read.

From 500 to 10,000!

In its first year, the Black Book Project set a goal to collect 500 books. The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, resulting in the collection of over 1,000 books! With that success under their belt, this year, they have set their sights even higher, aiming for a fantastic 10,000 books during Black History Month. The commitment to celebrating diversity in children’s literature has captured the hearts of many, and their enthusiasm continues to grow.

Distribution Efforts

Once collected, these treasured books are not just stored away; they are actively distributed to several channels, including schools, nonprofits, churches, and community events throughout Nashville. This ensures that the wonderful stories reach children who will benefit the most from them. The joy on children’s faces as they discover these free gifts is a testament to the impact that this initiative has on their lives.

Join the Cause

If you’re in Nashville and want to support this noble cause, there’s a chance to get involved! An in-person book drop-off event is scheduled for February 22 at All People Coffee in East Nashville, running from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to this empowering cause, and the community is warmly invited to participate.

For Online Donations

Can’t make it in person? No worries! Donations can also be made online at TheBlackBookProject.org. Every book donated is a step towards enhancing children’s reading experiences and bolstering their academic journeys, promoting a future where every child can see themselves in the literature they love.

A Bright Future Ahead

Nashville’s Black Book Project is more than just a collection drive; it’s a movement to uplift voices and stories of children of color. Join in to help create a world where every child can find themselves in the pages of a book. Together, we can turn the page towards a bright, inclusive future filled with adventure, imagination, and representation!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Nashville Comes Together for Literacy and Charity Initiatives

Additional Resources

• WKRN: Help Collect 10,000 Books During Black History Month
• Tennessee Titans: Community Drive to Benefit Book’em
• CBS News: Dolly Parton’s New Children’s Book
• Fox 17: Murfreesboro School Board Votes to Remove Children’s Book
• Tennessean: Annie F. Downs’ New Book
• Wikipedia: Children’s Literature
• Google Search: Children’s Books
• Google Scholar: Diversity in Children’s Literature
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Children’s Literature
• Google News: Book Donation Initiatives