top of page

Brown Hands Literacy

Welcome! It's dope here! 
bhhhhh.jpeg

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. 

 

Untitled design (13)_edited.png

Behind the Brand

Latoya T. Headshot .jpg

Latoya Turner, MBA

WHIHBCU_edited.png

Brown Hands Literacy was selected as a 2023 exhibitor for the White House Initiative on HBCUs National HBCU Conference. We had an amazing time. 

download (4).png
download (2).jpeg
Brown Hands, Black Schools Film Poster (3).png
download_edited.png

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 

Screen Shot 2023-06-04 at 9.41.40 PM.png
  • 2023 White House Initiative HBCU Week Conference Exhibitor 

  • Read the Playbook 2022 - Pro Football Hall of Fame

  • Over 10k connections,  supporters and followers on social media

  • AT&T Dream in Black 2023- Comedian PrettyVee selected Brown Hands Literacy as a business to support

  • Latoya serves as an HBCU Day Ambassador in Cincinnati

  • 2024 Offical Selection for Essence Film Festival 

  • Partnered with FC Cincinnati to host Juneteenth HBCU Send-Off 2024​

  • Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs book featured in All American: Homecoming TV show​

  • Our Founder received the Distingushed Leader of Character Award from DPS Distingushed Females

  • of color 

  • Facilitated at the Empower Me Conference by Motivated Empowered Me at Cleveland Brown Stadium

  •  Hosted numerous of events, provided HBCU scholarships, & sponosred students for HBCU college  tours

  • Book donations  

34493f_79109fff6f234a90b1c843f5d76b1908~mv2.webp

How to support?

  • Spread the word about Brown Hands Literacy! 

  • Follow us on social media!

  • Donate money to support our mission!

  • Donate new or gently used diverse books for children or HBCU college students!

  • Volunteer at our HBCU Literacy Experiences!

  • Shop our store! 

  • Educate the youth about HBCUs. 

cashapp.png
PayPal ButtonPayPal Button
Click here to shop!

$brownhandsliteracy

Cover- BHBS BOOK COVER  (1).jpg


This will redirect you to our for-profit page brownhandsllc.com

Check us out on social media!

Untitled design (11)_edited.png
IMG_8180.webp
34493f_41a9b2ffb59b417e921fbf93c55b96f4~mv2.webp
84E6AEF9-E197-4365-AD05-0DD4FAC32C41_4_5005_c.jpeg
@brownhandsliteracy brownhandsliteracy.org (2).png
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok

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. 

7EABFB14-A468-436A-85BF-A0A382741D67.jpeg

Give back to HBCU students while aiming to improve their mental health. 

Testimonials 

download (12).png

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

download (12).png

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. 

​

Parent 

2022 HBCU Literacy Experience atendee

download (12).png

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. 

​

Vice Mayor Jan- Michele Kearney of Cincinnati, OH

download (12).png

I can't wait to go to an HBCU! 

​

Jordan 

2nd grade student 

​

​

download (12).png

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. 

​

Abbey Sir Louis

The Seven Hills 

​

​

34493f_e9fe01edfd28456980ad74e8333da72e~mv2.webp

Free HBCU literacy resources coming soon!

Brown Hands Literacy HBCU Literacy Experience

In the press, supporters & partners! 

download (13).png
download (9).jpeg
channel 7 detroit.webp
Screen Shot 2022-07-06 at 4_06_27 PM.webp
download (14).png
download (1) (1).webp
download (1).jpeg
download (3).jpeg
Untitled_Artwork_23_1200x1200.webp
download (9).png
download (5).jpeg
download (11).png
download (10).png
download (8).jpeg
download (15).png
download (4).png
download (3).png
download (1).webp
Screen Shot 2023-06-12 at 6.05.15 PM.png
WHIHBCU.png
34493f_2793d29f86134927bf2757f16541375b~mv2.webp
D0323CF2-2B34-470F-8F03-97383056366A.jpeg
download (1).jpeg
download (2).png
download (2).jpeg
download (3).png
download (4).jpeg
Bold_BMLogo_Boxed.jpeg
Screen Shot 2023-10-31 at 12.59.24 PM.png
531C28D3-40B8-46E4-827C-CF4795C058BB_4_5005_c.jpeg
Screen Shot 2024-01-08 at 4.26.26 PM.png
download_edited.png
download (1).png
  • alt.text.label.Facebook

Grants 

34493f_2793d29f86134927bf2757f16541375b~mv2.webp

Brown Hands Literacy was a 2022-2023 
Black Empowerment Works grantee. We received funds to host HBCU Literacy Experiences in Cincinnati. 

download (1).png
D0323CF2-2B34-470F-8F03-97383056366A.jpeg

Brown Hands Literacy received the 2023 Hamilton County Inspire Youth Initiative grant. 

Screen Shot 2024-01-08 at 4.26.26 PM.png
Screen Shot 2024-01-08 at 4.29.50 PM.png

Brown Hands Literacy received a grant from FC Cincinnati Foundation to support a Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs film screening for West End students. 

Get in Touch

In the news!

Contact Us           brownhandsliteracy@gmail.com

Be the first to know!

Thanks for subscribing!

bottom of page