Today we’d like to introduce you to Yenny Yang.
Hi Yenny, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2019, I started the journey on my master’s thesis research at Harvard University, examining “welcoming cities” initiatives in refugee resettlement areas in the United States. One of my focus areas is the refugee resettlement community of Clarkston, GA (dubbed ‘the most diverse square mile in America’). During my year-long in-depth research, I discovered a significant lack of representations of diversity in K-8 books in a community where more than 60 nationalities and languages are represented. In the summer of 2020, when all schools and libraries closed down due to COVID-19, I decided to start a small grassroot movement to initially expand access of diverse books in Clarkston and surrounding areas. We received support from our friends and family and was able to install an outdoor mini library in Clarkston at Refuge Coffee and filled it with 200 carefully curated books that represent the cultural and religious diversity of the readers in Clarkston. Read4Unity was born, and 2.5 years later, we have donated over 7000 NEW K-8 diverse books to young readers nationwide, and we are just getting started!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As anything else in life, nothing is smooth! The most obvious challenge of a micro non-profit organization is always funding. We are a grassroots organization and have been blessed to receive the amazing support from individuals and communities nationwide (we call them our champions!) through book fairs and small fundraising campaigns via social media. In 2021, we also received small institutional grants, which allowed us to expand our work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the founder of Read 4 Unity, a grassroot 501(c)(3) non-profit who aims to be the bridge that inspires diverse narratives in children’s stories. By sharing carefully curated K-8 books with classrooms & community partners, together, we can leave lasting marks.
We specialize in curating and donating brand-new books by BIPOC authors to K-8 students in under-resourced or “book desert” areas in metro Atlanta (and beyond).
I am most proud of the fact that as a former refugee from a marginalized background, I am able to pay it forward by providing access to books that reflect the diversity and uniqueness of our readers in Clarkston, GA, where the majority of readers come from refugee backgrounds, as well as other areas where new books are scarce.
What sets us apart from others is the fact that we work very closely and directly with our site/recipient partners in creating holistic literacy programming beyond just providing the books!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think perseverance and authenticity are the two most important ingredients.
Pricing:
- $10 donation provides 1 book for our readers!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.read4unity.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/read4unity/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/read4unity
