Game Changers: Marley Dias and the #1000BlackGirlBooks

Summary

Marley Dias, a 14-year-old activist and founder of the 1,000 Black Girl Books campaign, emphasizes the importance of diversity and representation in literature for empowering Black girls. Her campaign, which began at age 10, has grown into a global movement advocating for diverse curriculums and books featuring Black female characters. Marley shares her journey, advice for young activists, and highlights her book, 'Marley Dias Gets It Done and So Can You,' which encourages kids to use their passions to drive positive change. She also discusses her involvement with the Grassroots Community Foundation and its focus on empowering young Black girls.

Takeaways

• 📚 Marley Dyess is the founder of the 1,000 Black Girl Books campaign, which focuses on increasing representation of Black girls in literature.
• 💪 She believes representation and diversity in books are essential for motivating children to read and feel connected to the characters.
• 🌍 The campaign has grown into a global movement, advocating for curriculums that represent diverse characters, especially Black girls.
• 📖 A resource guide with 1,000 books has been created to help people find and purchase diverse titles.
• 📝 Marley has written a book titled 'Marley Dyess Gets It Done and So Can You,' aimed at inspiring kids aged 10 and older to use their talents to create positive change.
• 🎬 Marley's friend Marsai Martin, an executive producer at a young age, has been a major supporter of the literacy tour and campaign.
• 👭 Her favorite book is 'Another Brooklyn' by Jacqueline Woodson, which she says encapsulates teenage friendship and has had a personal impact on her.
• 🎨 Marley encourages young girls to use their passions—whether in sports, arts, or other areas—to drive change and fight for justice.
• 🏆 She was named one of Time's 25 under 25, an achievement that she feels honored and excited about.
• 🌱 Marley’s work is supported by the Grassroots Community Foundation, which promotes the healthy development of girls, and they run programs like 'Super Camp' to teach leadership and empowerment.

Q & A

Who is Marley Dias?

Marley Dias is a 14-year-old activist and the founder of the 1,000 Black Girl Books campaign, which focuses on increasing diversity and representation in children's literature.

What is the main goal of the 1,000 Black Girl Books campaign?

The main goal of the 1,000 Black Girl Books campaign is to ensure that Black girls can see themselves represented in books, which fosters motivation, confidence, and engagement in reading.

Why does Marley believe representation in books is important?

Marley believes that representation is crucial because it allows children to relate to the characters and stories, which motivates them to read and feel more connected to their own experiences and identities.

How has the 1,000 Black Girl Books campaign grown over the years?

The campaign has grown from Marley’s personal initiative as a 10-year-old to a global movement, including a digital resource guide of over 1,000 diverse book titles, along with various collaborations and projects.

What advice does Marley give to younger girls?

Marley advises younger girls to be open about their frustrations and use their passions—whether it’s sports, art, or other interests—as fuel to create positive change in the world.

Who does Marley Dias admire as a game changer and why?

Marley admires Marsai Martin, the young executive producer of the movie 'Little,' for her trailblazing work in Hollywood and her involvement in literacy initiatives, including a tour with the Obama White House.

What is Marley’s favorite book and why?

Marley's favorite book is 'Another Brooklyn' by Jacqueline Woodson because it explores themes of friendship and adolescence in a way that resonates deeply with her. She also has a personal connection to the author.

What is the Grassroots Community Foundation, and how has it influenced Marley?

The Grassroots Community Foundation is a public health and social action organization founded by Marley’s mother. It focuses on empowering girls to grow into healthy women, and it has supported Marley in her activism.

What programs does the Grassroots Community Foundation offer for young girls?

The foundation offers programs like Super Camp, which helps young Black girls develop leadership skills and learn about community, balance, and personal excellence, following ancient Egyptian principles.

What is the purpose of Marley's book, 'Marley Dias Gets It Done and So Can You'?

Marley's book serves as a guide for children 10 years and older to use their passions and talents to create positive change. It covers her personal journey and offers practical advice on activism.