Day 12. Marley Dias: The #1000BlackGirlBooks Campaign.

At just 11 years old, Marley Dias launched the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign, an initiative that has reshaped the conversation around diversity in children’s literature. By collecting and donating books that feature Black girls as central characters, Marley has empowered young readers to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. As we continue our “30 Days of Celebrating Youth: Explorers & Innovators” series, we celebrate Marley Dias for her leadership in promoting representation and inclusivity in literature.

A Passion for Reading and a Desire for Change
Marley’s journey began with a simple frustration: she loved to read, but she was tired of reading books about “white boys and their dogs.” Growing up, Marley noticed that most of the books assigned in school didn’t feature characters who looked like her or shared her experiences. This lack of representation was more than just an annoyance—it was a problem that Marley felt needed to be addressed.

Instead of waiting for change to happen, Marley decided to take action. She set a bold goal: to collect 1,000 books that featured Black girls as the main characters and donate them to schools, libraries, and communities where they were needed most. Thus, the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign was born.

The Impact of #1000BlackGirlBooks
Marley’s campaign quickly gained traction, capturing the attention of educators, authors, and readers around the world. Through social media, she spread the word about her mission, and soon, books began pouring in from all over the globe. Within a few months, Marley had surpassed her original goal, collecting over 9,000 books featuring Black girls as the protagonists.

But Marley didn’t stop there. She recognized that her campaign was part of a larger conversation about the importance of diversity in literature. By highlighting books that centered on Black girls, Marley encouraged publishers, educators, and readers to think critically about whose stories are being told and whose voices are being heard. Her work has contributed to a growing movement to diversify children’s literature and ensure that all kids can see themselves reflected in the books they read.

Recognition and Continuing Advocacy
Marley’s work has earned her widespread recognition, including being named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and receiving the Smithsonian Ingenuity Award. She has spoken at conferences, appeared on television, and even authored her own book, Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You!, which encourages other young people to take action on issues they care about.

Beyond her literary activism, Marley has continued to advocate for issues related to education and social justice. She serves as an inspiration to young people everywhere, showing that age is no barrier to making a difference in the world.

A Unitarian Universalist Perspective
Marley Dias’s story aligns with our commitment to justice, equity, and education. Her work reflects our dedication to ensuring that all voices are heard and all stories are told. By championing diversity in literature, Marley is helping to create a world where every child can feel seen, valued, and empowered.

Inspiration for the Future
Marley Dias’s #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign is a powerful reminder that one person can spark change that ripples across the world. Her work challenges us to think about the stories we read, the voices we amplify, and the impact we can have when we take action on issues that matter to us.

As we celebrate Marley’s achievements, we are inspired by her courage, her vision, and her commitment to creating a more inclusive world. Her story encourages us to support and uplift diverse voices and to ensure that every child has the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the stories they read.

By honoring Marley Dias, we recognize the importance of representation, diversity, and inclusivity in all aspects of life. Her work reminds us that the stories we tell and the stories we share shape the world we live in, and that we all have a role to play in making sure those stories reflect the richness and diversity of our world.

Learn more about #1000BlackGirlBooks at (https://www.marleydias.com/1000blackgirlbooks).

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Join Us in Celebration
We hope that these daily stories will inspire you to engage more deeply with the youth in your community, to listen to their stories, and to amplify their efforts. Let us celebrate not just their achievements, but also the rich diversity they bring to our shared human experience.

Follow us daily this month as we honor these incredible young people and the boundless possibilities they represent for a more just, compassionate, and equitable world. Together, we can ensure that their legacy of excellence continues to grow and flourish.

#UU #UUA #CelebrateDiversity #CelebrateYouth #30under30 #BlackLivesMatter #CollectiveAction #YoungReaders #YouthRights