GLORY EDIM Founded Ben Read Black Girl Book Club in 2015 as a way to honor his love to booksA passion that began during his childhood. What began as a small meeting has become a profit that uses narratives to promote activism and increase diverse voices in literature.
“Much more than a book club, we celebrate humanity and the cultural expression of black, brown and indigenous,” spot States. “Through literature, our intergenerational community addresses systemic inequalities and promotes civic commitment.”
Related: Get to know your favorite authors, including Glory Edim, and inspire -s to blvityfest—Conite stories, leave -with strategies to level out!
The mission continues: “The well -read black girl goes beyond diversity. We are committed to honoring the stories of our ancestors. With each selection of titles, we change the narratives and go to a more equitable publishing industry that guarantees a authentic representation and access for emerging authors.”
The love of Gloria Edim’s books started in childhood
Edim, who grew up in Arlington, Virginia, is the daughter of Nigerian immigrants. After her parents divorced, she and her brother Maurice, spent time losing -in stories like Close, Charlie and the chocolate factoryand Charlotte WebOften shouting “brother” and “sister” to find -in the batteries of public library of Arlington, according to the Los Angeles Times.
As he got older and his family dynamic changed, Edim assumed the role of his brothers’ caregiver. Even through the emotional and verbal abuse of an ancient stepfather and the battles of his mother with depression, the books remained his sanctuary. He found comfort in the works of Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni and other black poets and thinkers.
His English high school AP teacher, Mr. Burns once criticized Angelou as “poor grammar”. But instead of dismissing EDIM’s admiration for Angelou, she encouraged her to discuss her perspective. This experience helped EDIM to recognize the power of critical thinking and solidify his voice in a world where white narratives often dominate.
In an interview with ElleEdim called Angelou his “literary surpassed in every way” and cited I know why the caged bird sings As one of his favorite books of all time, so much that he may never have returned his copy to the library.
The books helped to heal their family ties
The reading also helped EDIM to reconstruct family connections. After years of difference, his father, who had moved to Nigeria, re -entered his life. Outsider For Audre Lorde he helped process his mother’s illness and the complexity of his relationship.
Finally, both parents presented themselves to their lives, and Edim continued to support books as a form of healing and empowerment.
The growing impact of the black girl well read
Today, Black Girl has more than 435,000 Instagram followers, a podcast with celebrities guests, a collaboration with Liveright, Literary Festivals and Joy of the campA program designed to empower children through books, according to Elle
EDIM has also curated anthologies, including Well-read black girl: find our stories, discover ourselves and In childhood: 15 stories from the Black Girl Well-Leaad Library.
EDIM’s full journey is chronic in your memory, Gather -me: a memory in praise of books that saved me. The book is a letter of love for the stories and authors who gave it shape, and a powerful reminder of how literature can transform life.
