Brown Literacy Movement

  • Founded in 2024 by award-winning storyteller, actor, and bestselling author Christopher Rivas, and partnering with Collaboration for Talent in 2025, the Brown Literary Movement is a national initiative aimed at uplifting Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other historically marginalized students by putting books from authors of color into youths hands. Helping to increase historically low literacy rates in our country.

  • The program distributes free copies of books by Brown and Black authors, provides facilitation, study guides, and hosts student-centered discussions and community events around identity, culture, and collective liberation.

  • This work is vital right now given the efforts in some local and state governments, and federally with policy changes to undermine the voices, agency, and lives of people of color. What began as a personal book has evolved into a national literary initiative, bringing together students of color through community-led book clubs, author visits, and culturally relevant discussions rooted in equity and belonging. The initiative exists to ensure that Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other historically marginalized students not only see themselves in the pages of a book but are also empowered to lead the conversations that follow.

  • By centering marginalized voices, the Brown Literary Movement nurtures self-expression, empowerment, and a collective commitment to equity. Our goal is to create an inclusive, culturally conscious educational environment where all students feel seen, valued, and empowered to shape their own futures. Through this collective effort, the movement aspires to foster a lasting love of reading and a deep sense of solidarity among diverse communities.

  • “Books like Brown Enough are beyond vital for young people of color. Brown Enough has the power to change the narrative. It uplifts students like me. As a brown woman, it can feel like I’m constantly competing with White women and constantly searching for validation from men of color. Christopher Rivas validated and called out this toxic narrative, challenging men of color to see women from a different perspective. This book was both eye-opening and powerful—it gave me, and so many others, comfort in our color. Honestly, I think everyone can learn something from this book, which is why it’s so important to keep promoting Brown Enough in classrooms and libraries.” - Mei Lan Wang, South Division, Class of 2025

    “Books like Brown Enough are essential in schools. Students deserve to have access to diverse stories of joy, resilience, and vulnerability. Brown Enough provides educators with tools to have conversations with students about the vibrancy and nuance of being Brown in America and to have conversations about race, ethnicity, and identity. The book beautifully opens up the doors to honest dialogue, communal healing, and self-love.”  - Glennys Sánchez, Educational Equity Strategist, Lawrence, MA

    “Books like Brown Enough belong in our schools because they give voice to the stories that too often go unheard. They remind us—and our students—that we are seen, we are enough, and our truths are powerful. As an educator, this book didn’t just resonate—it reached me. It echoed in my own story and affirmed the purpose behind my work. A book like Brown Enough is not just read—it is felt. It is a mirror, and a call to action. This is why we need it in our classrooms: to remind every student their story is worthy, their voice, vital.” - Ana Celia Báez,  2025 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year, Milwaukee, WI 

    “It is always challenging to find curricular materials that reflect the cultural and linguistic experiences of our black and brown children. Books like Brown Enough allow our students to see themselves in the curriculum in ways that few other curricular materials do. Our students have enjoyed reading the book as it validates their own lived experiences and inspires them to reach their full potential.” -Dr. José Trejo, Southside Division High School Principal, Milwaukee, WI 


    “It is important for our young men to see other men who look like them do something positive and to get a positive message from a positive man. The biggest challenge in school today is not academics- its socioemotional concerns our kids are dealing with. When we can get a man to come in and talk about his story and how he overcame the odds– it gives them the strength, courage, and fortitude to believe they themselves can overcome the odds.” –Dr. Lamar Collins, Inglewood High School, Los Angeles, CA

  • As of 2025

    States Served: CA, CT, MA, WI

    Districts Served:

    5 for programming & 139 for curriculum

  • Nonprofit and Social Impact Organizations:

    • United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

    • Safe Place for Youth

    • LAMP on Skid Row

    • LA vs Hate

    • Pathful

    • City of Asylum

    • Grow Mentoring

    • LOQULES

    • Tricycle: The Buddhist Review

    • Earthjustice

    • Helpline  Youth Counciling

    Arts and Cultural Organizations:

    • ArtsEmerson

    • City Theatre (Pittsburgh)

    • Kids of Immigran

    • DNAWORKS

    • The Moth

    • SoulPancake

    • Upworthy

    • Skirball Cultural Center

    • Museum of Broken Relationships

    Higher Education Institutions:

    • California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)

    • New York University (NYU)

    • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

    Media Collaborations:

    • The Emancipator

    • SiriusXM

    • Fox 11