Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith McKinney.
Hi Meredith, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Meredith McKinney and the Story of The Black Book Project
I started the Black Book Project because I believe every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the books they read. As an educator and someone who has always loved stories, I have seen firsthand how powerful representation can be, especially for Black children who often do not see characters who look like them on the pages of their favorite books.
In January 2020, I set a simple but meaningful goal: collect 500 children’s books featuring Black characters by the end of Black History Month. What I thought would be a small project quickly grew into something much bigger. The community showed up in ways I could not have imagined, donating over 1,000 books in the very first month.
Since then, the Black Book Project has continued to grow. Over the past five years, I have collected and distributed more than 12,000 culturally affirming books to schools, classrooms, community organizations, after-school programs, non-profits, and at community events throughout Nashville. Every book placed in a child’s hands has been intentional, a reminder that their stories matter and that they deserve to feel seen.
For me, this work is not just about increasing the number of diverse books on a shelf. It is about belonging. It is about confidence. It is about helping children understand that their identity is something to be proud of. Through this project, I have watched students light up when they see characters who look like them, and families build home libraries that reflect their culture and experiences.
Now, as the Black Book Project reaches its fifth anniversary, I am dreaming even bigger. My goal is to collect 15,000 books by February 2026, my most ambitious milestone yet, and we need your help! This vision represents not just growth, but my commitment to ensuring Black children have access to stories that uplift, affirm, and inspire them. What began as a personal mission has become a community movement. And through it all, I am reminded every day why I started: to make representation a priority, one book at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Obstacles and Challenges of The Black Book Project
One of the greatest challenges driving the Black Book Project is the reality that Black students are disproportionately underperforming in reading compared to their peers. A significant number are not meeting proficiency standards, and according to data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, 85 percent of Black fourth graders are not reading at grade level. This highlights a critical early literacy gap that is tied to longstanding inequities in access to high-quality resources, culturally responsive materials, and instructional support. These gaps directly influence student engagement, confidence, and overall academic outcomes, reinforcing the urgency behind the work I do.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been a proud employee of Metro Nashville Public Schools for 10 years, and I am currently completing my dissertation for my Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. In my role with Metro, I support school-based coordinators in ensuring that students and families receive the resources and services they need to remove barriers to learning in the classroom. I collaborate with coordinators daily to identify student and school needs, connect them with community partners, and assist in implementing supports that address academic, behavioral, attendance, and basic needs challenges. Whether it is coordinating mentoring programs, securing mental health supports, organizing family engagement opportunities, or developing attendance initiatives, my focus is on creating a network of interventions that help students thrive. By guiding, coaching, and assisting coordinators across the district, I help ensure that every child has equitable access to supports that strengthen their well-being, promote engagement, and improve their overall school experience.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is sitting with my favorite books and crayons, coloring the characters brown so they looked like me. Back then, there were no books that showcased Black characters. My mother was upset with me for coloring in the books, but now she is incredibly proud of what I have accomplished. From that simple act of making stories feel personal, I grew a movement with The Black Book Project. Today, more children have the chance to open a book and see themselves truly represented on the page, fostering pride, belonging, and possibility. This mission is deeply personal, and it drives everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theblackbookproject.org
- Instagram: Theblackbookproject_
- Facebook: The Black Book Project
