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We are creating space where diverse children can dream, play and grow without limitations by
Placing diverse books in the hands of diverse children
About us
This organization was founded to increase literacy rates. Literacy rates in the inner-cities are low. If children are reading books that reflect them and their environment, they are reluctant to read. While scaling material I came across a study that showed, Caucasians being the top percentage reflected in books. Next are animals, then African Americans at 12 %. Natives and Hispanics are marked as less than 5%. I created this organization to close the gap. A book fair that displays minority authors and their creations. It gives children access to literature that models themselves. When a child is able to see themselves on a cover it's inspirational. Please help me inspire all minority children by donating and/or sponsoring a great cause.
**A World of Gratitude to All Our Sponsors!**
We are delighted to share our amazing sponsors with you all. Thanks to the generosity of Operation Northern Comfort, our shelves are now adorned with a treasure trove of knowledge! With the support from our sponsors. We've taken a giant leap towards nurturing a love for reading and learning among our young minds. These new books aren't just pages; they are windows to new worlds, adventures, and possibilities. From classic tales to modern stories, the gift of books transcends time and bridges gaps. It ignites the flames of curiosity, imagination, and understanding within our children, paving the way for a brighter future. Shout-out of gratitude to all our sponsors for their unwavering commitment to education and empowerment. Together, we're fostering an environment where every child can explore, dream, and flourish. Stay tuned as we embark on exciting literary journeys with these new companions.
From The Media
Syracuse author offers free books to improve literacy for kids
By Timia Cobb | tdcobb@syr.edu
Three years ago, Jasmine Holden, an author and Syracuse native, set out to establish a free children’s book fair. Preserve the Black Child would soon provide Black children with books that include characters and stories that encourage them to be themselves while allowing them to learn about Black culture and improve literacy.
“I feel like representation is key,” Holden said. ”If they see themselves, they may be more willing and interested in reading materials.”
Preserve the Black Child is a group of volunteers and authors who hold an annual book fair in Syracuse. The group’s official members include Holden, the president and founder, the vice-president, Arabia Miller and secretary, Keya Riley. Their goal is to get more kids to read by giving away free books and shelves and showcasing books with Black characters written by Black authors.
Preserve the Black Child volunteers and members( from back left to bottom right) Kayla Delee, Nora Kindred, Arabia Miller (VP), Jazzmine Kindred and Leiloni Faison, promote literacy and giveaway books at the 2023 Juneteenth celebration in Clinton Square in Syracuse.Jasmine Holden
“Most people in the inner cities are financially unstable, and the economy and inflation, everything is so freaking crazy,” Holden said. “I didn’t want anybody to have to pay for anything.”
On the tail of book bans across the country and various encounters ending in the deaths of Black people, such as the 2022 Buffalo mass shooting and the recent death of Jordan Neely, Holden said she remembers every day why she created Preserve the Black Child.
“During that era of George Floyd and the cops, just the whole thing, that there was so much happening, and I felt like our kids weren’t being preserved,” Holden said. “They were looked at as adults and were just not being heard. I felt like white America wasn’t looking at our kids as kids.”
In 2019, the Onondaga Early Childhood Alliance reported that 22% of children in the Syracuse City School District were reading on grade level by 3rd grade. Holden, who also works as a family support specialist with Coordinated Children’s Services Initiative, believes getting kids to read at an earlier age could increase literacy rates. Her solution involves offering books with characters that feel familiar to children.
“I know how low the scores are here in Syracuse when it comes to literacy,” Holden said. Literacy rates are extremely low here and in our county. Like, I work in the school. I have kids in middle school who are reading on a second, third-grade reading level.”
So far, Holden estimates she’s given away 200 books. She finds authors through in-person and social media connections. Donors can buy the books from the authors, which will be given away for free at the fair. While promoting literacy, Holden said money shouldn’t be a concern. Because of this, the fair operates as a first-come, first-served book giveaway.
During the book fair this year at the Syracuse Juneteenth Festival, each author gave away 20 books. A few of the books that have been at the fair since its start include Holden’s book “Daddy’s Coming,” “Mama’s Best Wig” by Marsita Jordan, “Lynn and Margie’s Listening Ears” by Jacklyn Campbell and more.
OUR GALLERY
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OUR GALLERY
Become A Sponsor
We would love for you to partner with us to make this event legendary. Your contribution will played a significant role in making this event a tremendous success. Your sponsorship not only provided crucial financial support but also helped us raise awareness about our cause and reach a wider audience.