Black History Month is an opportunity to educate ourselves on the rich and beautiful contributions of black figures, movements, and culture. Last year the Avenues for Youth staff engaged in a black-authored book challenge, reading new or favorite books and sharing what we learned with each other.
This year, thanks to a generous contribution of BIPOC authored books from Kim C. and family, Avenues is providing reading opportunities for all youth to read, learn, and grow. The books encompass a wide experience, both fictional, non-fictional, historical, and covering current events. They are educational, entertaining, and transformational.
Kim C. and family also donated a wide array of LGBTQ authored and themed books. Both shelters, Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park, have a healthy library thanks to this support. Having books authored by authors of the same identity as the majority of the youth Avenues partners with is critical, as representation does matter.