Kind Cotton, a local clothing company with a mission to redefine kindness, inspire others to do better, and encourage childhood literacy is continuing a local partnership with Black Lives Matter Manasota to promote reading and build literacy amongst children in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. Their initial kickoff included a December Book Drive in which they distributed over 1,000 books to local children. The partnership will also be installing free libraries in nine different locations throughout the area. The first library was recently unveiled on Saturday, July 24 at the Oneco Farmer’s Market (located at 5108 15th St. East Bradenton), where the two groups gave away hundreds of free books to the community. 

“Through our literacy initiative, we strive to provide children and adults in Manatee and Sarasota Counties with free access to quality books rich in representation," says Black Lives Matter Manasota Alliance President Deedra Zee. "We believe each child and/or adult regardless of their skin color or class deserves to see themselves and be seen with the understanding that their very existence matters too."

Kind Cotton has now provided over 32,000 books to children across the country, with an emphasis on in-person literacy lessons at Alta Vista Elementary in Sarasota County pre-COVID. “As a kindergarten teacher, I have made it my mission that children have books in my classroom which make my students feel seen, valued and inspired," says Kind Cotton Co-Founder Kaitlin Johnstone.

Support by either dropping books off or sending donations. More information can be found here.

Photo courtesy of Kind Cotton. Shop here.