HOW WE BEGAN
Brown Book Box began with two mothers and friends who shared the same struggle — finding children’s books where our kids could truly see themselves. We wanted stories filled with joy, culture, and imagination that reflected the world around them.
What started as a simple idea — curating diverse books and hands-on crafts for our children — quickly became a passion project that reached families far beyond our own. As our kids grew, so did our understanding of what it takes to build confident, capable readers.
Today, Brown Book Box has evolved from books and art activities to a holistic model grounded in the science of reading and experience-based learning. Our storytimes, theatre workshops, and book selections are designed not only to nurture a love of stories, but to help every child build the literacy skills and self-belief to write their own.
A Black Woman Did That! spotlights vibrant, inspiring black women whose accomplishments have changed the world for the better.
A Black Woman Did That! is a celebration of strong, resilient, innovative, and inspiring women of color. With a vibrant mixture of photography, illustration, biography, and storytelling, author Malaika Adero will spotlight well-known historical figures and women who are pushing boundaries today—including Ida B. Wells, Madam CJ Walker, Shirley Chisholm, Serena Williams, Mae Jamison, Stacey Abrams, Jesmyn Ward, Ava DuVernay, and Amy Sherald.
Readers will recognize some names in the book, but will also be introduced to many important black women who have changed history or who are reshaping the cultural landscape. They’ll learn:
*how Barbara Harris became the first female bishop of the Episcopal Church
*how Misty Copeland became the first black principal dancer of the American Ballet Theater
*how the work and inventions of Dr. Patricia Bath have saved or restored the eyesight of people around the world
*how Shirley Chisolm changed the face of politics in America
*how Glory Edim has turned her passion for reading into a thriving online community that showcases black women in literature
*how Cathy Hughes founded Radio One (now Urban One) and became the first African-American woman to head a publicly traded sompany
Entries on each woman or group will highlight their accomplishments, their world-changing words, and the ways in which their lives and actions have made the world a better place.
The book will also include a robust resource list of books, audio and visual recordings, and links, inviting readers, parents, and teachers to learn even more about the amazing black women featured in the book.
