Books are a vehicle for social justice.J.C. Tamno Books Foundation • Maryland & African Communities
Students working together during a guided literacy and authorship workshop
Our programs

Literacy experiences designed to grow with a child.

From the first books in a newborn’s room to workshops that position children as authors, each program builds access, agency and belonging.

01

In-Home Libraries

Recognizing that literacy begins at birth, the Foundation delivers personalized libraries to new families to nurture reading routines and a love of books from a child’s earliest days. The initial program has gifted libraries to 12 families, with an ambition to reach 100 newborns annually.

A personalized home library prepared for a family
Books placed within reach from the very beginning.
Students and a facilitator gathered around books and literacy materials during an African school workshop
International literacy work is developed with local schools and community partners.
02

International Books & Libraries

Through trusted nonprofit partnerships, the Foundation addresses book deserts in African communities by expanding access to books, supporting sustainable libraries and connecting literacy resources to local priorities.

03

Author Read Aloud Visits

Authors bring books to life through interactive classroom experiences. Sessions have integrated mathematics, mindfulness, financial literacy and STEM—often concluding with a signed book or activity that extends learning into the home.

Featured authors include: Nicole Austin, Lynda Ryder, Michelle Harvey, Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket and Tony Reid.

An author leading a classroom read-aloud visit
A child proudly displaying a handmade book titled How to Learn Piano
04

Children’s Authorship Program

In partnership with educator Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket, the program creates room for children to write from their lived experiences rather than restrictive prompts. Through guided workshops, children develop stories, share them with peers and begin to see themselves as writers whose voices matter.

05

Community Read Aloud Sessions

Family-centered events keep children reading during summer and beyond. Hosted in homes, schools and community settings, the sessions pair author engagement with practical strategies parents can use to support literacy at home.

Featured authors include:
  • 2025 CRAS in Gaithersburg, Maryland: Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket, author of The Principal Pals: Bright Minds, Big Dreams.
  • 2026 CRAS in Temple Hills: Registered Nurse Araya Kemp, author of Mya and the Magic Hummingbird.
Community members and young readers holding copies of Mya and the Magic Hummingbird
Authors and community leaders participating in an Authors for Justice dialogue
06

Authors for Justice: Dialogues That Move Us

Inspired by Congressman John Lewis’ book-tour event, this series uses authors and public dialogue to deepen engagement at the intersection of literacy, civic awareness, leadership, health equity and community empowerment.

Featured authors included:
  • 2026: Rick Tamno, The Globalectics Framework for Health Equity: Recognizing Literacy as a Health Equity Infrastructure.
  • 2025: Dr. Okey Enyia, The John Henry Health Equity Playbook: A Four-Year Policy Agenda for Black Men.