Planting People Growing Justice celebrates 7 years of growing futures

Planting People Growing Justice™ Leadership Institute (PPGJLI) is commemorating its 7th anniversary with a community fundraising event and award ceremony. The celebration will take place on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, from 8-9 a.m. at the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, located at 410 Oak Grove St. in Minneapolis. The goal of this year’s fundraiser is $50,000 which will be used to support our Leaders are Readers Program and youth writing competitions. 

 

I founded this nonprofit organization with the goal in mind of promoting reading and diversity in books. This is critically important since we are facing a reading crisis across the United States. Our organization is committed to growing futures – one book at a time and one child at a time. This is personal and important to me because as a civil rights attorney, many of my clients learned how to read in prison. This is unacceptable but somehow, we created a Rule of 4:

• One in four American children are not reading at grade level by 4th grade

• If you are not reading at grade level by 4th grade, you are four times more likely to drop out of school

And here’s the connection, you are also three and a half times more likely to be arrested during your lifetime. This is unacceptable. This is an opportunity for change. Where we can create new pipelines for the future and work to end mass incarceration.

The PPGJLI fundraiser is an opportunity to connect with like-minded people who are passionate about making a difference, helping PPGJLI grow, and empowering youth through literacy, leadership, and diverse books.

Since its inception, PPGJLI has donated over 19,000 books locally and internationally. The organization has reached more than 6,000 children through its Leaders are Readers program. 

The organization continues to inspire, equip, provide tools, and foster future leaders through the arts, humanities, education, workshops, seminars, and school visits. The organization has instituted a variety of initiatives that includes youth writing competitions, read-aloud events, and teaching about STEAM leadership and careers.

 

During the fundraiser, several esteemed community members will be honored with the PPGJLI Excellence in Education Award. We will recognize the many contributions of individuals within the community. Excellence in Education honorees are:

• Honorable LaJune Lange, retired judge

• Kiya Edwards, KARE 11 reporter

• Nasra Noor, Educator

• Ella Beard, artist, Vibe Art

• Rev. Carl Walker and Grant West, founders of Walker-West Music Academy

In addition, PPGJLI will honor six individuals with the nation’s prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award is presented in recognition of exceptional volunteer commitment. PPGJLI will celebrate the volunteerism of:

• Dan Livengood

• Samuel Kofi MacCaulley

• Kathryn Schleich

• Warren Buckhalton, Sr.

• Majeste Phillip

• Ray Wiedmeyer

The PPGJLI (https://www.ppgjli.org/7-year-anniversary-fundraiser) 7th anniversary celebration and fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, is a unique opportunity. Individuals and businesses can demonstrate their support for community youth, literacy, and PPGJLI’s many youth-oriented programs by becoming an event sponsor: (https://givebutter.com/ppgjli_sponsorships_2023).

Through her organization, Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, Dr. Artika Tyner seeks to plant seeds of social change through education, training, and community outreach.