Mission Statement:The BLACKLIT Foundation is committed to amplifying diverse voices and closing the literacy gap by curating inclusive libraries and empowering experiences for communities, schools, and independent bookstores. Through innovative programming, global outreach, mentorship, and advocacy, we aim to inspire cultural understanding, nurture new generations of leaders, and create spaces where Black voices are celebrated and shared.A New Chapter for BLACKLITAfter two incredible years of serving the community, the BLACKLIT Bookstore—the first and only bookstore in Farmers Branch—was forced to close its physical doors due to ongoing harassment and challenges with our building management. Despite this setback, our commitment to literacy, representation, and community remains steadfast.Now, we are raising funds to reopen in a new, safe location where we can continue to serve as a cultural hub, providing access to diverse books, hosting educational events, and celebrating Black voices. Your support during this transitional period will help us write the next chapter of BLACKLIT, ensuring that our mission thrives and our community continues to have a space dedicated to empowerment and representation.Five Pillars:<ol><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Books Beyond Borders Bringing the power of diverse stories to underserved schools and libraries around the world, expanding access to literature that educates and connects cultures.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">The Literacy Link Empowering aspiring authors from underrepresented backgrounds through mentorship, workshops, and publishing opportunities, cultivating the next generation of voices.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Curated for the Culture Our new bookstore will be housed under this pillar. Creating mobile literacy labs and community pop-ups that promote reading, cultural exchange, and inclusive storytelling in underrepresented communities.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">BLACKLIT Fest Celebrating Black literature and culture through an annual festival that brings together authors, publishers, and readers to promote diversity and unity.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Read, Rise, Empower A transformative initiative that fosters a love of reading and elevates underrepresented voices by providing schools and communities with the resources needed for lasting cultural and educational impact.</li></ol>Your Support Makes a DifferenceYour one-time or monthly donation will not only help sustain our current programs but also contribute directly to reopening the BLACKLIT Bookstore. Together, we can create a new space where Black stories and voices are celebrated, and where the community can continue to thrive. <h3>Donation Impact Breakdown</h3>$25 Donation:<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">One-time: Provides three diverse books for the future BLACKLIT Bookstore’s shelves, helping us build a space where representation matters.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Monthly: Sponsors access to curated diverse books for a child through the "Books Beyond Borders" initiative.</li></ul>$50 Donation:<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">One-time: Contributes to purchasing materials needed to create a safe, welcoming environment in the new bookstore.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Monthly: Funds a literacy workshop at one of our "Curated for the Culture" pop-ups, promoting a love for reading in underserved communities.</li></ul>$75 Donation:<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">One-time: Helps with moving costs and initial setup of the new bookstore, ensuring the space is functional and inspiring.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Monthly: Supports operational costs for our literacy programs, including author meet-and-greets and storytelling sessions.</li></ul>$100 Donation:<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">One-time: Sponsors part of the design and furnishing of the new bookstore, creating a community-focused cultural hub.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Monthly: Helps fund pop-up literacy events while the new bookstore is being prepared.</li></ul>$250 Donation:<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">One-time: Covers the cost of building a new BLACKLIT Library for a local classroom, extending our reach while we rebuild.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Monthly: Supports monthly operational expenses, allowing us to sustain programming like workshops and cultural events.</li></ul>$500 Donation:<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">One-time: Funds initial legal, permitting, or construction costs for the new bookstore location.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Monthly: Fully funds a mentorship pairing in "The Literacy Link" program, connecting aspiring authors with industry experts.</li></ul>$1,000 Donation:<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">One-time: Helps secure a new lease or cover essential equipment costs (e.g., shelving, POS systems) for the bookstore.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Monthly: Provides consistent funding for community outreach and literacy events.</li></ul>$5,000 Donation:<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">One-time: Covers the cost of hosting a reopening celebration, including community book giveaways and events that highlight Black authors and creators.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Monthly: Sustains large-scale literacy projects like equipping multiple schools with BLACKLIT Libraries or running a mobile literacy program.</li></ul>$10,000 Donation:<ul><li style="box-sizing:inherit">One-time: Makes a significant impact by funding a major portion of the new bookstore’s setup costs, such as rent or construction of community spaces within the store.</li><li style="box-sizing:inherit">Monthly: Powers our long-term vision by supporting ongoing programs like "Books Beyond Borders" and BLACKLIT Fest while ensuring a smooth transition into the new space.</li></ul> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1726519564/dyg9gubbdhftknjvvilq.png" style="width:600px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;position:relative;max-width:100%;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit" />

Mission Statement:The BLACKLIT Foundation is committed to amplifying diverse voices and closing the literacy gap by curating inclusive libraries and empowering experiences for communities, schools, and independent bookstores. Through innovative programming, global outreach, mentorship, and advocacy, we aim to inspire cultural understanding, nurture new generations of leaders, and create spaces where Black voices are celebrated and shared.A New Chapter for BLACKLITAfter two incredible years of serving the community, the BLACKLIT Bookstore—the first and only bookstore in Farmers Branch—was forced to close its physical doors due to ongoing harassment and challenges with our building management. Despite this setback, our commitment to literacy, representation, and community remains steadfast.Now, we are raising funds to reopen in a new, safe location where we can continue to serve as a cultural hub, providing access to diverse books, hosting educational events, and celebrating Black voices. Your support during this transitional period will help us write the next chapter of BLACKLIT, ensuring that our mission thrives and our community continues to have a space dedicated to empowerment and representation.Five Pillars:<ol><li>Books Beyond Borders Bringing the power of diverse stories to underserved schools and libraries around the world, expanding access to literature that educates and connects cultures.</li><li>The Literacy Link Empowering aspiring authors from underrepresented backgrounds through mentorship, workshops, and publishing opportunities, cultivating the next generation of voices.</li><li>Curated for the Culture Our new bookstore will be housed under this pillar. Creating mobile literacy labs and community pop-ups that promote reading, cultural exchange, and inclusive storytelling in underrepresented communities.</li><li>BLACKLIT Fest Celebrating Black literature and culture through an annual festival that brings together authors, publishers, and readers to promote diversity and unity.</li><li>Read, Rise, Empower A transformative initiative that fosters a love of reading and elevates underrepresented voices by providing schools and communities with the resources needed for lasting cultural and educational impact.</li></ol>Your Support Makes a DifferenceYour one-time or monthly donation will not only help sustain our current programs but also contribute directly to reopening the BLACKLIT Bookstore. Together, we can create a new space where Black stories and voices are celebrated, and where the community can continue to thrive. Donation Impact Breakdown$25 Donation:<ul><li>One-time: Provides three diverse books for the future BLACKLIT Bookstore’s shelves, helping us build a space where representation matters.</li><li>Monthly: Sponsors access to curated diverse books for a child through the "Books Beyond Borders" initiative.</li></ul>$50 Donation:<ul><li>One-time: Contributes to purchasing materials needed to create a safe, welcoming environment in the new bookstore.</li><li>Monthly: Funds a literacy workshop at one of our "Curated for the Culture" pop-ups, promoting a love for reading in underserved communities.</li></ul>$75 Donation:<ul><li>One-time: Helps with moving costs and initial setup of the new bookstore, ensuring the space is functional and inspiring.</li><li>Monthly: Supports operational costs for our literacy programs, including author meet-and-greets and storytelling sessions.</li></ul>$100 Donation:<ul><li>One-time: Sponsors part of the design and furnishing of the new bookstore, creating a community-focused cultural hub.</li><li>Monthly: Helps fund pop-up literacy events while the new bookstore is being prepared.</li></ul>$250 Donation:<ul><li>One-time: Covers the cost of building a new BLACKLIT Library for a local classroom, extending our reach while we rebuild.</li><li>Monthly: Supports monthly operational expenses, allowing us to sustain programming like workshops and cultural events.</li></ul>$500 Donation:<ul><li>One-time: Funds initial legal, permitting, or construction costs for the new bookstore location.</li><li>Monthly: Fully funds a mentorship pairing in "The Literacy Link" program, connecting aspiring authors with industry experts.</li></ul>$1,000 Donation:<ul><li>One-time: Helps secure a new lease or cover essential equipment costs (e.g., shelving, POS systems) for the bookstore.</li><li>Monthly: Provides consistent funding for community outreach and literacy events.</li></ul>$5,000 Donation:<ul><li>One-time: Covers the cost of hosting a reopening celebration, including community book giveaways and events that highlight Black authors and creators.</li><li>Monthly: Sustains large-scale literacy projects like equipping multiple schools with BLACKLIT Libraries or running a mobile literacy program.</li></ul>$10,000 Donation:<ul><li>One-time: Makes a significant impact by funding a major portion of the new bookstore’s setup costs, such as rent or construction of community spaces within the store.</li><li>Monthly: Powers our long-term vision by supporting ongoing programs like "Books Beyond Borders" and BLACKLIT Fest while ensuring a smooth transition into the new space.</li></ul> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1726519564/dyg9gubbdhftknjvvilq.png" style="width:600px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%" />

BLACKLIT Foundation

Support the BLACKLIT Bookstore!

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