Brown Hands Literacy
Welcome! It's dope here!
Brown Hands Literacy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate and empower the youth and families about Historically Black College and Universities while also building a love for literacy through Black children's books, HBCU literacy experiences, and films.
Welcome to Brown Hands Literacy - your premier destination for all things related to early literacy and HBCUs. Our founder, Latoya Turner who is a Central State University graduate was inspired to create this organization to build a love for literacy through diverse children’s books, free literacy events and bring awareness about the rich history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Latoya is the author of the children’s books Brown Hands, White Sand and Brown Hands, Black Schools: HBCUs. She's also the writer, director and producer of Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs film.
As a proud member of the HBCU community, we believe that representation matters, and we also believe that educating the youth about HBCUs at an early age is vital.
Our organization was started by a former early childhood teacher, Latoya Turner who witnessed the gaps in literacy that existed in the community and was determined to make a difference. We offer a wide range of services aimed at enhancing literacy skills and opening doors to a brighter future such as HBCU literacy experiences, book drives, author visits, literacy events and film screenings.
We welcome anyone who shares our passion for literacy and HBCUs. Please follow us on social media in order to learn more about the dope work that we have done and continue to do. Click on "Our Team" to learn more about the dope individuals who make our work happen. Thank you!
Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs Trailer
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2023 White House Initiative HBCU Week Conference Exhibitor
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Read the Playbook 2022 - Pro Football Hall of Fame
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Over 10k connections, supporters and followers on social media
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AT&T Dream in Black 2023- Comedian PrettyVee selected Brown Hands Literacy as a business to support
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Latoya serves as an HBCU Day Ambassador in Cincinnati
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2024 Offical Selection for Essence Film Festival
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Partnered with FC Cincinnati to host Juneteenth HBCU Send-Off 2024​
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Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs book featured in All American: Homecoming TV show​
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Our Founder received the Distingushed Leader of Character Award from DPS Distingushed Females
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of color
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Facilitated at the Empower Me Conference by Motivated Empowered Me at Cleveland Brown Stadium
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Hosted numerous of events, provided HBCU scholarships, & sponosred students for HBCU college tours
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Book donations
How to support?
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Spread the word about Brown Hands Literacy!
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Follow us on social media!
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Donate money to support our mission!
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Donate new or gently used diverse books for children or HBCU college students!
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Volunteer at our HBCU Literacy Experiences!
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Shop our store!
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Educate the youth about HBCUs.
Click here to shop!
$brownhandsliteracy
This will redirect you to our for-profit page brownhandsllc.com
Check us out on social media!
Host HBCU literacy experiences in order to educate families about HBCUs and early literacy skills.
Donate diverse children's books to kids in order to build a love for literacy and to make them feel empowered.
Host Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs film screenings.
Give back to HBCU students while aiming to improve their mental health.
Testimonials
Brown Hands Literacy partnered with Accelerate Great Schools to recruit juniors and seniors from HBCUs to Cincinnati for an Immersive City Visit so they could explore roles in education in the city. Students from 7 HBCUs visited schools, enjoyed Cincinnati sights, and toured apartments. After the trip, 100% of the HBCU visitors said they would recommend the Cincinnati Immersive City Visit experience to a friend, and 91% were interested in pursuing roles in Cincinnati in education.Paige Lindy Chief of staff and operations at Accelerate Great Schools
I really enjoyed the HBCU Literacy Experience even though my child is in first grade. The importance of these experiences at a young age is high as PWIs are the schools talked most about in schools.
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Parent
2022 HBCU Literacy Experience atendee
Wow! Educating children about HBCUs at an early age is what we need to see more. The children and families will never forget the wonderful presentation by Latoya Turner at Read Across Madisonville 2022.
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Vice Mayor Jan- Michele Kearney of Cincinnati, OH
I can't wait to go to an HBCU!
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Jordan
2nd grade student
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We were so grateful to have Latoya come and visit Seven Hills. Through engaging discussions, interactive activities, and captivating books, Latoya inspired our students to embrace the power of words and explore the limitless possibilities of their own creativity. Students were not only exposed to the joys of literature but also introduced to the exciting world of HBCUs. The connection that she had with our students has a lasting effect on them and it was truly a memorable experience.
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Abbey Sir Louis
The Seven Hills
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