501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization
Brown Books and Paintbrushes: Active Community Leader in Chicago
ABOUT
We understand the importance of each child’s healthy racial identity and the joy in human diversity, inclusion, their intellect with justice, and their ability to act for their own and others’ fair actions. In partnership with families and early childhood educators, partners and reliable resources; Brown Books and Paintbrushes is in a distinctive position to sustain the youngest members of humanity. We provide age-appropriate programming for children and resources for families; that support education and resources related to African-American culture and their voice in civic engagement.
Why Literacy?
The literacy gap for African-American students, families and communities is a widespread issue in the United States, ultimately producing economic and social injustices. These inequities date back to the longstanding issues of racism and discrimination throughout the U.S. as a result of anti-literacy laws targeting blacks, pre- and post-Civil War, as literacy has long been used as a means of social control and oppression (A Second Chance Inc,2020).
Why Art?
The arts in general, and Black art in particular, can help children resist race-based negativity, giving them the strength, confidence and self-assurance that will help protect them from racial injustices for years to come.
PROGRAMMING
Brown Books & Paint Brushes is in the business of changing and shaping lives. The work we do at our nonprofit is aimed at providing a holistic and developmentally appropriate approach to solving some of our society’s biggest challenges around social justices and civic engagement. We make sure young children and their families are empowered by creating opportunities to learn and engage with individuals and communities.
Storytelling is our way of enhancing cultural understanding. Reading stories give children the chance to explore their own and other cultures. When hearing stories, children learn to identify with with unfamiliar situations, places, and peoples. Stories have the ability to teach more about different values, traditions, and life experiences-all through literacy.
IMAGINATION STORY TELLERS
WORKSHOPS
Our variety of workshops are an approach to teaching and learning in which children create and demonstrate understanding through an art form. At Brown Books and Paintbrushes, we host various forms of art (drama, music, storytelling, poetry, visual arts, literacy and language, civic engagements and creative movement) as major pathways to culture.
BOOK CLUB AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
With this initiative, our goal is to promote the reliable and valid work of black authors and artists. Children learn through monthly events to discuss and bring books to life; through engaging peer discussions, relatable activities and civic engagement. Also, children and families are invited to join us in many cultural experiences, such as a visit to the Children's Museum of Social Justice and The Dusable Museum of African-American History .
BROWN BOOKS, PAINTBRUSHES,
BOOKSHELVES, GIVEAWAYS AND MORE +
Youth Advisory Board
The most vulnerable among us, the youngest, least resourced, and most marginalized, have the same value as everyone else. Is the responsibility of every active member of a society to develop and protect every person's unique contribution by creating opportunities to receive relevant information, share their organic wisdom, and participate in the exchange of ideas in ways that shape institutional power.
Ace
Reader+Athlete+Future Scientist
Naseer
Honor Roll+Believer+Thinker
Chance
Honor Roll+Reader+Dancer
Skylar
Reader+Future Fashion Designer+Youth Voice
Andrew
Honor Roll+Activist+Thinker
+Muscian
Alicia
Mathematician+Believer
With our organization’s mission always in mind, we strive to find new strategies for sealing the literacy gap . Literacy is something that we take very seriously, and our team is working each and every day to make a positive impact on the literacy rates in the communities. We build small libraries in the homes of young children to promote our cause and hope for empowerment. Contact us to learn more about our commitment to getting books and art in the hands of young children across the Chicago land- and beyond.
