Beyond the Booklist: How we’re activating racial justice in our work
What does it mean to be an anti-racist literacy campaign? How can nonprofits and community organizations–particularly those who are new to this work–keep the energy of the movement?
As an early literacy campaign on a mission to protect every child’s right to read, equity has always been a value. But like many, we still have work to do in striving for racial justice. And that work goes beyond reading How to Be An Anti-Racist.
Now, don’t get us wrong, we love a good book list. We know a thorough and ongoing education on how racism has and continues to permeate this country is central to change—but that’s just the first step. Anti-racism isn’t only about learning, unlearning, and shifting perspectives. It’s about the choices you make over time. It’s about action.
We don’t have all the answers on how literacy advocates actualize can anti-racism, but in the spirit of shared growth and collaboration, here are a few ways we’re trying.
Count who’s at the table and add seats until it reflects your community.
We've added demographic questions to partner surveys.
Data is an essential tool for justice. It’s how we spot gaps in service, invest in strategies with proven impact, and demonstrate our values as we measure what matters. And for us, nothing matters more than partnership.
We know that listening to a diversity of experiences and perspectives is the only way to develop meaningful solutions—especially when serving a population like Philly’s. While we’ve always worked alongside leaders from different backgrounds, to make sure we haven’t overlooked experiences, for the first time we’re asking partners to (optionally) share more information about themselves including questions about race and ethnicity. This data is critical as we take a hard look at who’s at our table and who needs to be invited.
There’s always more room at the table. It’s just a matter of who’s willing to slide over and bring out new chairs.
Take the lead from those you serve—and pay them.
We’re growing our Parent Council and paying stipends to Parent Liaisons.
Too often, organizations see inviting the community to the table as a philanthropic kindness. In truth, they offer invaluable insights that make strategies richer and more impactful. As the group that has had to rely on creativity to find ways around systems not designed for them, they are experts. And just like we pay consultants, they should be compensated for their time, work, and ideas.
Led by Parent Power’s Sylvia and Allegra Simms, Read by 4th’s Parent Council is a collective of Philly families who look at our work with the critical eye, speak from experience, and help develop solutions to grow young readers that they know and love. And select members of this group are compensated for their participation at Read by 4th working group meetings.
For years, the community has asked to be included in the policy and projects that affect them. It’s past time we listened.
Disaggregate early literacy data.
We’re calling for high-quality data and analysis that tells our true literacy story.
Racial and ethnic inequities in education are not new. To address these issues head-on, we need high-quality data to highlight exactly who is being underserved and hold candid discussions about why, to inform the design of culturally relevant solutions, and track our progress to ensure every child can become the strong reader they deserve to be. Data not only allows us to see the world more clearly, it helps us create the world that we want.
As a collective, we’re spreading the word about the importance of disaggregated early literacy data, and are exploring new ways to make it more accessible for everyone.
Buy from Black and brown vendors.
We’ve pledged to spend %10 of our book budget at local Black-owned bookstores.
Vendors are often overlooked as a pathway for strategy. But using the power of your dollar to support businesses owned by people of color can be a small step towards closing the racial wealth gap while recognizing some truly great entrepreneurs.
As a citywide literacy campaign, we buy a lot of books. Typically, we rely on large distributors to get as many books into the hands of children as possible. While small shops can’t match that deal, buying from local Black bookstores accomplishes an equally important goal: supporting Philly’s early literacy ecosystem.
Philly’s Black bookstores (Hakim’s, Harriets, Amalgam, Uncle Bobbies), play a critical role in growing stronger readers. They hold up a mirror for Black children to see themselves as the main character in stories, are home to laughter and joy, and help to break down false narratives about who is and is not a reader. While the reach of our book order may be slightly diminished, helping these community hubs retain their strong legacy in Philadelphia will have an impact for years to come.
Looking for your next read? Over 20% of Philly’s independent bookstores are Black-owned.
Make equity everyone’s responsibility.
We’ve added equity and culture into our project strategy.
This work can’t sit with only one person. Diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism—it’s more than a job title, it has to be embedded into the culture and structure of an organization. To be felt and carried by every member of the team.
We’ve embedded essential questions about racial equity and cultural competency into our project launch and reflection process, so it remains a priority in all we do. From start to finish.
Racism won’t go away after reading one book, having a conversation, or even after implementing all the anti-racist strategies on this page. We have to fight it in our systems, organizations, and even within ourselves. Anti-racism is an ongoing battle, and no matter where you are in that process, we all have work to do and can learn from each other.
How are you embedding anti-racism as a practice in your work? Let us know.
