Giving Tuesday 2025
Reading Is My Revolution
This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to help us build something powerful: Social Justice Libraries at It Takes A Village Leadership Academy’s Bronzeville and South Loop campuses.
These libraries will be more than shelves and books—they will be sites of liberation, where students are encouraged to imagine, question, create, and lead. Spaces where every child can see themselves reflected and empowered in the literature they read.
Your support helps us nurture the next generation of changemakers.
HELP US REACH OUR $100,000 GOAL!
Together, We’ve Already Made Powerful Progress
Last year, our Village came together and raised $23,000 to begin this initiative.
You helped us take the first step — establishing the foundation and curating the
first wave of transformative titles.
This year, we are continuing the journey.
Our goal is to raise the remaining $77,000 to fully realize and sustain these
Social Justice Libraries.
WHY DONATE?
At a time when access to honest, diverse, and justice-centered literature is being challenged across the country, we are standing firm in our belief:
Every child deserves to see themselves in the stories they read.
Our Social Justice Libraries will provide:
￮ Books that reflect Black, Brown, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and
global perspectives
￮ Literature that nurtures critical thinking, empathy, and
identity formation
￮ Community spaces where students discuss equity,
leadership, and social change
When students see themselves in stories, they learn to see themselves as powerful.
“Books, articles, and stories can introduce you to different viewpoints and experiences. This helps you understand how social change affects various groups of people. Reading about history can show you how social changes have happened over time. This can make you more aware of the challenges others face and the importance of social change.”
– Steven, ITAV LA Student
Why Your Support Matters — Right Now
Book censorship is rising at unprecedented rates.
￮ In 2023, 4,240 book titles were challenged or banned in U.S. schools and
libraries.
￮ Most of these books reflect marginalized voices and stories about identity,
justice, and liberation.
￮ Restricting books restricts imagination, freedom, and self-understanding.
Our libraries are both love and resistance.
They are a promise to our students:
Your stories matter. Your voice matters. You matter.
Join the revolution—because “Reading is My Revolution!” Together, we can build libraries that empower students and foster justice in education.
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS!
Interested in Corporate Sponsorship?
Contact Kenya Joyce Hatch, Director of Development
jhatch@itavschools.org • 312.237.6298
