The Pierce Twins: Kids working for social equity

We are Kyra and Phallon Pierce, 8th-grade identical twins and known as  "The Pierce Twins."  We are honor students, creative artists, and athletes who also love to read.

We were recently featured on the news after discovering a book on our school summer reading list entitled "And Then There Were None", by Agatha Christie, was originally named "Ten Little N*****s". The book was later changed to its current name. We noticed this immediately upon researching the book. In addition to the original title, we learned there was a racist nursery rhyme that was a significant plot point. This did not sit well with us and sparked a need to remove bigoted and offensive books from our school's summer reading lists. (See links below for news segment)

This issue has inspired us to do more as we see the lack of diversity, specifically African-American authors on summer reading lists, elementary and middle school literature courses, and school libraries. We created an age-appropriate diverse book list for young readers, and we want to take our mission to help a broader audience. Students of all races should be exposed to various authors and experiences to help them learn and connect to others. Books that promote positive self-esteem, anti-racist, anti-bullying, social justice themes, and contributions of African Americans along with other people of color,  should be shared and embraced. This will also help kids be more tolerant, inclusive, accepting, and appreciative of others. We believe this exposure will help young readers today be stronger leaders now and in the future. 

We have received overwhelming support since the news segment, and people have asked us for ways to help us spread the word and make a difference. We have started Positive Change Charities Inc (a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization) for long term campaigns to help make a difference not only in our community but across the country.

100% of donations  will be used to help us purchase diverse books to give to kids in need, underfunded school districts, and after school programs. There is power in kids reading books where main characters and plot lines revolve around people of color and also rooted in social justice, positive identity, and anti-racism. We must also pay attention to the books we are consuming at home, available in libraries and books listed as required reading for school assignments. 

We ask that you share our story, our mission, and consider making a donation.

If you have book recommendations and/or want to donate books directly, please message us for delivery options. 

Thank you so much for reading our story and we really would appreciate your support.

Together we can make a positive change in our communities....one book at a time!   


MEDIA COVERAGE:
CBS: https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2021/01/19/after-finding-controversial-novel-on-schools-summer-reading-list-teenage-twins-push-for-change-in-state-law/
Medium: Young Social Impact Heroes Why and How Twins Kyra and Phallon Pierce Decided To Change Our World
Fox News Chicago:  Suburban school pulls controversial books from summer reading list 
NBC News Chicago: Family Says Books Rooted in Racism Should be Removed From Kids Summer Reading List 
Bella Magazine: The Pierce Twins Teens Working Towards Social Justice 
Enspire Magazine: The Pierce Twins Are Bringing Diversity to Required Reading 
GreatHER Purpose Podcast: GreatHER Purpose Podcast with the Pierce Twins 
Baller Alert Blog: Suburban School Removes Controversial Books From Their Summer Reading List After A Family Uncovers The Books’ Racist Past 

PARTNERSHIPS:
Chicago Public Schools

EVENTS:

December 2020: In collaboration with Chicago Public Schools, The Pierce Twins will host a virtual event on December 5th with over 400 middle school students. They will discuss social disparities and how to make positive changes in our communities. The Pierce Twins will provide a book from their diverse reading list to each child in attendance.