Books that Embrace Race

Children’s books are vital tools in navigating how issues of race impact young children and their identity development. It is important that minority children see themselves represented in different roles that defy stereotypes. The EC Scholars are organizing a fundraiser for children’s books that feature people of color as the protagonist or hero to help introduce children to the concept of colorism. With the help of your donations, books will be purchased and donated to community partners across Pitt County where we can help promote positive identity development for our community’s youth. 

Our community partners include Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain, Little Free Libraries in the Greenville area, and the ECU Community School. Of the students enrolled in the ECU Community School, 95% are African American, 59% are economically disadvantaged, and 17.9% are students with disabilities. Beyond initiating critical conversations on race and racism, many children’s books seek to empower youth to participate in the ongoing movement for racial justice by highlighting resilience and activism in age appropriate ways. 

We believe in change for a better and more equitable world for the generations that follow ours. Children’s books are a great place to start.