“It’s your story, too!”
That’s the theme of this year’s Little Black Book Drive: a reminder to kids around Brevard County that, as they read about astronauts exploring space, engineers building robots and musicians composing new tunes, they can dream big for their futures.
“By bringing books centered on STEM, fiction and empowerment to the youth of East Mims, we’re equipping them with the tools to imagine, create and succeed,” said Rolanda Gallop, one of the organizers of the drive. “Reading gives them access to the American Dream and the power to be who they are.”
The drive, which was founded by Gallop, her husband and FLORIDA TODAY reporter JD Gallop, and Lynda Hudson in 2022, has begun distributing books around the county to kids as it has every summer. In the past, they’ve worked in Melbourne, Cocoa and north Brevard, and this year, they hope to expand their reach across the Space Coast.
What is the Little Black Book Drive?
The Little Black Book Drive is a non-partisan organization that works to foster education and creativity among youth and celebrate Black history and achievement. The initiative’s goal is to get stories into the hands of children who may not otherwise have access to books focusing on history, STEM and fiction.
The hope is to help address literacy issues at a young age, as nearly one in five Brevard residents have trouble reading, according to Literacy for Adults in Brevard. It’s also to help inspire kids to dream big.
“More than ever, this is a must,” said Gallop. “We believe that every child, regardless of background, deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories and history books they read.”
In partnership with Brevard businesses like Essence of Knowledge and Onyx Gifts, as well as individual contributors and benefactors, the Little Black Book Drive has distributed hundreds of books since it was founded four years ago.
“The byproduct of what we’ve done is that we’ve not only inspired some youth to read more or learn about topics they might now otherwise come across, but we’ve heard stories of some kids building libraries with the new books that they pick out at our giveaways,” said Hudson. “That’s really special in an age where we’re competing with the Digital Revolution.”
Where will books be available?
Books can be picked up from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Juneteenth celebration at the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex on June 21 in Mims. Kids must be present to select books.
“For many kids, especially those in underserved communities, books are luxury, not a given,” said Sonya Mallard, the cultural center’s coordinator.
“This drive places culturally relevant, affirming and age-appropriate books directly into their hands and (helps) them see themselves reflected in the stories they read.”
Books will also be available on July 11 at the Culyer Community Center in Mims for children who are already pre-registered in summer camp.
To keep up-to-date with where books will be available, contact Rolanda Gallop at 321-298-9097 or Lynda Hudson at 954-410-1791.
Finch Walker is the education reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at fwalker@floridatoday.com. X: @_finchwalker. Instagram: @finchwalker_.
