Meet Latoya Turner, a passionate advocate for education and literacy, especially in the realm of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As a former first-grade teacher, Latoya was inspired to write the children’s book “Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs” to introduce young readers to these important institutions. Her journey from writing to self-publishing, establishing the nonprofit organization Brown Hands Literacy, and now venturing into filmmaking showcases her dedication to empowering communities through knowledge and representation. In this interview, Latoya shares insights into her inspirations, challenges, and impactful experiences, offering valuable advice to aspiring authors and filmmakers.
What inspired you to write the children’s book “Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs,” and how did your experiences as a 1st-grade teacher influence its creation?
While I was teaching elementary students, I observed that there was a lack of books that featured African American characters. Even in the books that did have African American characters, the topic mostly revolved around their hair and skin. Until I was almost in high school, I was not even aware of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). When I asked my students about HBCUs, they were unsure and didn’t know much about them. Hence, I wrote a book called “Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs” to teach kids about these universities at an early age. My teaching experience influenced this creation because I knew that if my students were interested, then children all over the world would also be interested.
What challenges or struggles did you face while writing and self-publishing your book, and how did you overcome them?
Not knowing how to self-publish and lacking any guidance was my biggest challenge. I had to research everything, which was very time-consuming. Although the writing process came naturally, I began doubting my work and kept changing my script until I had to tell myself that the book was fine. Finding an illustrator was also a process. I wasn’t going to put my name on anything that I wasn’t proud of, so I knew that I had to be very satisfied with my illustrators. My advice to anyone is to keep going and don’t take no for an answer.
Could you tell us about your nonprofit organization’s efforts to promote HBCU literacy and the impact it has had on your community?
Brown Hands Literacy was established in 2022 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to educate and empower young people and families about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The organization also aims to cultivate a love for literacy through the use of children’s books by black authors, HBCU literacy experiences, and films. Brown Hands Literacy has given away thousands of books and school supplies to children, hosted free HBCU literacy events, sponsored a student on an HBCU college tour, and educated many parents and children about HBCUs and literacy strategies. Brown Hands Literacy has been fortunate to receive grants and partner with other incredible organizations.
Congratulations on the success of turning your book into an animated short film! What was the process like, and what lessons did you learn during this transformation from book to film?
I am excited to embark on this new journey as a filmmaker. Bringing my book to life through events and experiences has been great, but I wanted to take it to the next level by creating an animated film with live-action. The film follows the book’s script, but we added more facts about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and literacy information. The first step was to find an animator and cast. Fortunately, I didn’t have to search far because the cast included my family and close friends. Animation is very expensive and I found myself wondering how I would complete the process. Me being the go-getter that I am I was able to get this done. I realized that I needed help with the production of the film and Angela K. Davis jumped in to produce and write. I’m so thankful for her. I learned that I needed to communicate my vision clearly with the animator, even if it meant asking for something to be redone multiple times. Our animator, Yanise Cabrera, was amazing. Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs is a timeless piece that inspires and educates people of all ages.
As someone who has navigated the world of education, self-publishing, and filmmaking, what advice would you give to aspiring authors and filmmakers who want to create meaningful content like yours?
To produce meaningful content, it is important to consider how you can enhance and raise awareness about a topic. Additionally, it would help if you thought of ways to distinguish yourself from others. Always contemplate topics that ignite your passion and reflect on how your work can positively impact communities.
How do you hope your book and film will impact young readers and viewers, particularly in terms of representation and education about HBCUs?
I hope that your youth will choose an HBCU because of Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs. I hope that because of my work that HBCU enrollment will increase. I hope to instill a love in literacy for our youth and help to close the achievement gap.
What future projects or goals do you have for Brown Hands Literacy and your advocacy for HBCU education and literacy?
My plan is to take the book and film Brown Hands, Black Schools on a tour of different Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The idea is to organize film screenings at various HBCUs and make the events open to the community. This will offer children and families a chance to visit an HBCU campus and experience campus life. They can also enjoy the Brown Hands Literacy HBCU experience. My goal is to encourage children to engage in literacy conversations and educate them about the data and literacy strategies.
Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your journey with Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs that has inspired you to continue your work?
Once, I was at a conference where a parent approached me and shared their experience of attending my HBCU Literacy Experience with their daughter. The parent told me that due to that experience, their daughter had decided to attend an HBCU in the upcoming fall. I have received an overwhelming amount of support from people all over who have shared with me how impactful my work is and how much of an inspiration I am to them. It means a lot to me.
Finally, where can people find your book, film, and learn more about Brown Hands Literacy?
Please visit brownhandsliteracyliteracy.org to learn more about our work. Our books are also available on our website and Amazon. Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs film is available on Prime Video and HBCU GO TV.
