ST. PAUL, Minn. – Dr. Artika R. Tyner, founder of Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore, has been named a Zoom Solopreneur 50 (ZSP50) Honoree (2026), a national recognition celebrating some of the most innovative and impactful solo entrepreneurs in the United States.
Selected from nearly 2,800 applicants across 48 states and more than 400 cities, the ZSP50 recognizes founders who are building scalable, sustainable businesses independently. Honorees were chosen by an independent panel of business leaders and industry experts.
Dr. Tyner is being recognized for her transformative impact on the book and publishing industry through Planting People Growing Justice (PPGJ), a Black woman-owned children’s book publisher and social enterprise dedicated to increasing diversity in books and promoting youth leadership development.
Founded in 2017, PPGJ publishes and promotes children’s books that encourage and empower young readers to find joy in reading while exploring history and culture across the African Diaspora. Its titles cover a range of topics, including arts, geography, and science, while also fostering essential leadership skills such as social-emotional learning, emotional intelligence, project-based learning, and anti-racist education.
“Leaders are readers,” said Dr. Tyner. “Our mission is to ensure that all children see themselves reflected in books and are equipped with the tools to lead and make a difference in the world.”
The Zoom Solopreneur 50 highlights a new model of entrepreneurship—one driven by individuals leveraging technology and innovation to build impactful businesses without traditional teams. With more than 33 million self-employed Americans, this recognition underscores a broader shift in how businesses are created and sustained in today’s economy.
Unlike traditional awards, the ZSP50 evaluates not only business performance, but also originality, authenticity, community impact, and influence. Dr. Tyner’s work stands out for its mission-driven approach to publishing and its growing influence in advancing diversity and representation in children’s literature.
As a ZSP50 Honoree, Dr. Tyner will gain access to mentorship, technology resources, and partnership opportunities through Zoom’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
About Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore
Planting People Growing Justice (PPGJ) is a Black woman-owned children’s book publisher and social enterprise committed to inspiring the next generation of leaders. Through diverse, culturally relevant books, PPGJ promotes literacy, leadership development, and social change.
About Zoom Solopreneur 50
The Zoom Solopreneur 50 (ZSP50) is a first-of-its-kind grant and recognition program honoring solo entrepreneurs who are building innovative, impactful businesses across the United States. The program reflects a growing shift toward independent, technology-enabled entrepreneurship.
For more information, visit www.zoom.com/solo50.
Media Contact
Company Name: Planting People Growing Justice
Contact Person: Media Manager
Phone: (651) 303-6566
Country: United States
Website: https://www.ppgjli.org/
