The flagship youth initiative of Homeplace Institute
Black Girls R.E.A.D.
Restore. Envision. Affirm. Dream. Black Girls R.E.A.D. is the flagship youth initiative of Homeplace Institute, creating culturally affirming literacy experiences designed with and for Black girls.
Where it comes from
Born from doctoral research examining Black girls, Black literature, identity, and homeplace, Black Girls R.E.A.D. expands the idea of what a literacy space can be.
Here, reading is not simply about comprehension. It is about identity. Culture. Creativity. Connection. Joy. Black girls engage with literature by Black authors while exploring the many ways they already read, write, communicate, create, and make meaning in their everyday lives.
Books become starting points for conversations about identity, Black girlhood, beauty, history, relationships, liberation, healing, and possibility. Experiences may include literature, art, music, digital media, writing, cultural experiences, guest community experts, hands-on activities, and opportunities for girls to create and share their own work.
At the center
At the center of Black Girls R.E.A.D. is homeplace: the intentional creation of a space where Black girls can experience belonging, healing, placemaking, (re)membering, and liberation.
Rather than asking Black girls to leave pieces of themselves at the door, Black Girls R.E.A.D. begins with the belief that who they already are—and the literacies, histories, languages, creativity, and knowledge they already carry—belongs in the room.
What Black Girls R.E.A.D. Creates
Black Girls R.E.A.D. experiences are designed to support:
read the word, read the world ✿
- Black girl identity and cultural affirmation
- Reading engagement and literary exploration
- Confidence and self-expression
- Creativity and multiple literacies
- Leadership and critical thinking
- Meaningful relationships and community
- Joy, healing, and belonging
Black Girls R.E.A.D. began as a literacy collaborative.
It is growing into a community where Black girls can read the word, read the world, and imagine the worlds they want to create. Tell us about your community and we'll be in touch.