In 2020, the number of Black authors declined by 31%, while Black characters in published books dropped by 23%. Planting People Growing Justice, a leadership institute focused on social change, aims to change those recent declines. The organization introduced the 100 Black Authors campaign, intending to publish books by 100 Black authors by the end of 2033.
Planting People Growing Justice seeks to plant seeds of social change through education, training, and community outreach. By publishing 100 Black authors over the next decade, the organization will promote cultural preservation through the arts and humanities and build an ecosystem for new literary artists. Planting People Growing Justice was inspired by the research of Dr. Artika Tyner. It wants to affect social change and the building of communities, while igniting leadership in all people.
Literacy plays an important role in the lives of Black people. By improving literacy, the pipeline to prison is dismantled. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, there is a connection between illiteracy and future incarceration in Black communities.
Students are four times more likely to drop out of school if they are not proficient in reading. Dropouts are then three and a half times more likely to be arrested. An incredible 85% of children in the American juvenile justice system cannot read. Planting People Growing Justice wants to change those frightening numbers by increasing the number of Black authors, Black characters, and books for Black children providing representation.
Along with a decline in Black authors and characters in fiction and non-fiction works, there was a 12% decline in children’s books featuring Black characters in 2020. Black children are not being represented in books and the problem is not being tackled by mainstream book publishers. If children do not see others like them in books, then they are less likely to identify with individuals in the material. Moreover, children are unable to see themselves in the stories and feel like they don’t belong.
Individuals can help support Planting People Growing Justice in different ways. One way to support the organization is by purchasing books from Black authors. In addition, individuals can share the group’s upcoming events to spread its message. Individuals can donate to Planting People Growing Justice. All donations go to helping the organization publish books, promote authors, and much more.
For more information about Planting People Growing Justice and to learn more about the 100 Black Authors campaign, please visit the organization’s website.
Media Contact
Company Name: Planting People Growing Justice LLC
Contact Person: Media Relations
Phone: (651)-303-6566
State: Minnesota
Country: United States
Website: www.ppgjli.org
