“Kamya’s initiative began as so many things these days originate: on social media. Kamya, who fled her home in New York City after the pandemic shut the city down this spring for her hometown of Arlington, Mass., in the Boston suburbs, said that she realized while taking walks around the neighborhood and peering into little free library boxes there that most of them lacked books by Black, Indigenous and People of Color [BIPOC] authors.‘There were so many books that were missing,’ she said. ‘It seemed like the boxes were filled with books people didn’t want, books that were worn out.’”Many (most) of the LFLs I see could use a similar makeover! “All across the world, everyone from healthcare workers to chefs have stepped up to help out those in need during the coronavirus pandemic. In the restaurant industry, one of the most notable leaders was José Andrés, who runs World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving meals to those in need during times of national crises. In partnership with Random House Children’s Book, World Central Kitchen has teamed up with 18 renowned artists to create a children’s book titled Share Your Rainbow ($7.99, target.com), and the proceeds of the book’s sales will go to the nonprofit.”José Andrés continues to impress me time and again. “Tiny Reparations Books will be a highly curated imprint dedicated to publishing both literary fiction and nonfiction as well as essay collections that highlight and amplify unique and diverse voices. The imprint is committed to publishing complex, honest, and humorous work that not only reflects the current conversation but also pushes it forward.”Been rockin’ with Phoebe since the early days of 2 Dope Queens. She hasn’t just stepped into, but is creating her lane and I love to see it.
