Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore

08/18/2026

A visit to the Bonna Educational Complex in Ghana sparked an international mission to give children access to books that reflect their culture, identity, and limitless potential here in Minnesota.

How to support the movement

Donate new children’s books that celebrate African Diaspora characters.
Make a financial contribution to purchase culturally responsive titles.
Share the campaign with your network, schools, and book clubs.

Community members can visit PPGJLI to make a financial contribution: www.ppgjli.org

https://spokesman-recorder.com/2026/08/14/ppgjli-african-diaspora-childrens-library-book-drive/

St. Paul’s PPGJLI is building a new library filled with African Diaspora children’s books. Learn how you can donate books or funds.

08/17/2026

Grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Tia Hinz, Homegrown Author Coordinator. Thank you for standing with Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, and believing in our mission. Together, we are promoting literacy and youth leadership development.

08/17/2026

One Book Can Change a Child’s Story.

Imagine the impact of placing diverse, inspiring books into the hands of children who need them most.

By hosting a PPGJLI Book Drive, you can help expand access to literacy, encourage a love of reading, and empower future leaders in your community.

Whether you’re a school, business, church, or community organization, your book drive can make a lasting difference.

Get started today: www.ppgjli.org/host-a-book-drive

08/17/2026

Celebrate the release of Curious about Veterans Day by Dr. Artika Tyner with us!

This book is filled with questions and answers about Veterans Day. Readers will learn more about the importance of veterans, their impact, and ways that people can celebrate them. This is an informative resource for families and educators who want to help children better understand what Veterans Day is all about.

Happy Book Birthday to Dr. Tyner! Celebrate with us by adding Curious about Veterans Day to your home, classroom, or library collection today.

Purchase copies here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/curious-about-veterans-day-dr-tyner/d80c14ac17e883ab?ean=9798896852681&listref=dr-artika-tyner-book-collection&aid=2144&bkshp-astro=t

08/17/2026

Leaders Are Readers 📚

Reading together builds more than literacy, it builds confidence, curiosity, and stronger family connections.

Intergenerational reading circles allow children, parents, grandparents, and caregivers to share stories that inspire meaningful conversations and lifelong learning.

Together, we’re creating future leaders one book at a time.

Learn more: www.ppgjli.org

08/15/2026

Thank you Minneapolis Institute of Art for a wonderful visit. I traveled around the world with the help of our amazing guide.

Did you know MIA offers free general admission every day? This is an opportunity for our children to learn, grow and lead.

08/14/2026

Introduce young readers to the extraordinary story of Robert S. Abbott, founder of The Chicago Defender.

Born into the harsh realities of segregation, Abbott refused to accept injustice as the status quo. With little more than determination, he launched a newspaper that became the most widely read and influential voice for African Americans. The Chicago Defender informed, inspired, and mobilized a generation, helping families find opportunity and freedom during the Great Migration.

This engaging book offers parents, teachers, and librarians an accessible way to teach children about resilience, justice, and the power of the press. Abbott’s journey shows how one person’s vision can uplift entire communities. More than history, it’s a story of hope, courage, and leadership that resonates today. Perfect for classrooms, libraries, and family collections, this book inspires readers to believe that their voices, too, can make a difference.

08/14/2026

Every child deserves to see themselves in the pages of a book and to learn about the experiences of others.

Books like “A Day With No Words” help children build empathy, challenge stereotypes, and strengthen their literacy skills. Diverse stories open minds, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire young readers to become compassionate leaders.

Join the Leaders Are Readers movement! Your support helps provide diverse, high-quality books to children and families, creating opportunities to read, learn, and grow together.

📚 Help us put more books into the hands of young readers today.

Learn more and support our mission: www.ppgjli.org

08/13/2026

Visiting Ghana provided me with an opportunity to reflect. This time of renewal refined my vision, purpose, and impact. I left with bold, audacious dreams for a brighter future for our children. 🇬🇭

LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE
Take a moment to reflect on your dreams and then turn them into action. Write down the goals that will bring those dreams closer to reality.

Remember: a dream isn’t just a destination. It’s a series of intentional goals that guide the choices you make each day.

08/12/2026

Rondo Renaissance: The best part of my visit to the Dikan Center was seeing Rondo honored through Gordon Parks’ artistic genius. I also learned more about Ghana’s history and culture. I am grateful to the founder Paul Ninson for providing a tour of the Center and sharing about his leadership journey.

I left with a clear mission to archive and share about the rich legacy of our Rondo community through the visual arts.

HISTORY OF DIKAN CENTER

“Founded in 2022 by Ghanaian photographer and filmmaker Paul Ninson, the center preserves African visual history, empowers local storytellers, and provides free public access to extensive creative resources.

The name “Dikan” means “to take the lead” in the Akan/Asante language.”