Giving back

Helping students grow an anti-racism library.

A community book drive in partnership with two local organizations in Tacoma, Washington.

A grid of colorful young-adult and children's book covers

About the project

Unity teamed up with two local organizations to augment the book selection at an Anti-Racism Lending Library in Tacoma, Washington. Our goal was to support this student-led effort with books that equip kids with ways to engage in meaningful dialogues about the history of race and systemic expressions of racism. With content reflecting a full range of minority experiences, emotions, and themes and a reading list designed by the students, this library plants the sparks of activism in our youth as well as offers a deep sense of belonging for every reader.

Volunteers unpacking donated books for the anti-racism library
Inside Parable, the Black-owned indie bookseller, surrounded by stacks of books
Students browsing and reading books together at the library
Tacoma School of the Arts logo

Tacoma School of the Arts (SOTA)

In 2020, a high school history teacher founded a donation-based Anti-Racism Lending Library at the Tacoma School of the Arts public high school. Since its grassroots inception, the library has become a project spearheaded entirely by students, who curate and manage the library and associated book club events.

Parable Bookshop logo

Parable Bookshop

Parable is a family-owned, community-owned, Black-owned, women-owned independent bookstore in the McKinley Hill area of Tacoma. Founded in 2020 as a community space that offers events and products that affirm the members of their diverse neighborhood, Parable has thrived through the pandemic with the enthusiastic support of their community.

A group of students holding stacks of donated books in front of Parable's neon sign

The impact

Together with our community, Unity raised over 300 books for the library. A group of students took a celebratory field trip to pick them up and meet their local bookseller. A huge thanks to the UAGP community for participating in this event!

Giving back

Books that plant the sparks of activism.

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