Sara Bloom Taylor is working to raise at least $5,000 to purchase 300 children’s books written specifically to highlight stories of resistance, normalize Black and Brown narratives from BIPOC authors (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), and tell our country’s difficult history in a way that focuses on activism. These books will be given to Las Vegas and Nevada kids so they can find encouragement and see themselves reflected in the stories.
At a local level, Las Vegas public schools–and especially those in lower income neighborhoods–lack serious funding and resources. The books will be purchased from a local bookstore and then donated to Spread the Word NV. Spread the Word NV does incredible work in our community to donate 59,000 books EACH MONTH and works with 62 Nevada Elementary Schools (and always adding more). They will ensure that these books get into the hands and homes of Nevada children.
A separate donation of books will also be made to both the East Las Vegas & Historic West Las Vegas Libraries.
“Beyond addressing issues of race and racism, this children’s reading list focuses on taking action. It highlights resistance, resilience, and activism; and seeks to empower youth (of ALL races) to participate in the ongoing movement for racial justice. Children not only need to know what individual, institutional, and internalized racism looks like, they need to know what they can do about it” (The Conscious Kid website, who compiled the books on the list we will be purchasing).
The $5,000 will enable us to donate 300 books to Spread the Word NV. Any amount of donation you can make is wonderful. A list of the books that will be purchased is in the description on the GoFundMe page. I recognize many of you have already made donations to national and local charities, thank you for that!
