Empowering Voices: Celebrating Four Years of Rise Up Against Racism
Rise Up Against Racism was officially launched on Juneteenth 2020 as a direct response to the televised murder of George Floyd and the ongoing racial violence that continues to plague our country. From the beginning, we held a clear commitment and shared vision: that antiracist books have the power to open minds, initiate critical conversations, and provide readers with the valuable experiences that Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop coined: “Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors.”
Since 2020, we have proudly opened fourteen Little Free Antiracist Libraries across the San Francisco Bay Area, providing thousands of diverse books to our communities. These libraries are filled with carefully curated selections that elevate the voices of marginalized groups, offering readers the chance to see the world through different perspectives.
“In today’s climate of increasing book bans, the dismantling of DEIBJ programs, and school curriculum censorship, our mission has taken on even greater urgency. Now, more than ever, we understand the vital role that books play in inspiring, informing, and inciting action.”
To celebrate Juneteenth and our fourth anniversary, we are excited to announce a special replenishment of books for each of our fourteen Little Free Antiracist Libraries. This new collection features some of the most banned and challenged books of the last decade, including:
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely: An award-winning book about a life-changing moment and its repercussions in a divided community.
Friday I’m in Love: A celebration of queer pride, Black joy, and coming-of-age rituals.
The Henna Wars: A beautiful and sensitive story about cultural traditions and unexpected love.
Our work depends on the support of individuals like you. As we navigate these challenging times, where marginalized voices are being silenced, we ask for your help to ensure that our communities have access to these critical stories and perspectives.
Please donate HERE and be part of our ongoing replenishment efforts. Together, we can continue to rise up against racism and champion the power of diverse literature.