Planting People Growing Justice

Planting People Growing Justice: For over a decade, this has been Dr. Artika Tyner’s mantra for her work in community empowerment. It was the foundation for a social enterprise that consists of a bookstore, publishing house, and literacy nonprofit. By planting the seeds of social change, this organization working to towards a stronger community.  
 
Through youth education, training programs, and community outreach, PPGJ’s primary goal is to create the next generation of community leaders by promoting reading and increasing diversity in literature. Astoundingly, statistics show that as many as one in four children in the United States have not learned to read, and an even higher percentage are unable to read at their expected grade level. Through their Leaders are Readers program, PPGJ aims to boost these literacy rates by improving accessibility to diverse, culturally relevant literature: inspiring young readers and constructing avenues towards success. 

Since their creation in 2014, PPGJ has donated over 40,000 books, developed their own children’s book on leadership, visited schools all around the world to promote reading, and established their own bookstore which raises funds for their other programs. They host read-alouds to create positive reading atmospheres for children, publish books that reflect PPGJ’s goals of leadership development and cultural appreciation, and offer writing competitions and workshops to develop authors and amplify diverse voices.  

With the funds from their MNPROMISE Act grant, Dr. Artika Tyner and PPGJ will be able to plant even more seeds and inspire more future leaders. Visit their website to donate, browse their bookstore, or check out events! Their Leaders are Readers event is at JK Movement/Jimmie Lee Recreation Center in St. Paul.