You're never too young to learn about HBCUs!
Meet Latoya Turner- educator, author, filmmaker, and creative!
Latoya is a Cincinnati-based boy mom, literacy lover, and HBCU advocate. Latoya has been an early childhood educator for over 13 years. She's taught in her hometown Detroit, MI, in Maryland (PGCPS), and at Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS). After transitioning from the classroom in 2022, Latoya is now a literacy specialist with The Literacy Lab Leading Men Fellowship program where she coaches Black and brown men between the ages of 18-24 who are placed in CPS preschool classrooms to close the literacy gap and diversify the teacher pipeline. Latoya is the CEO of Brown Hands LLC and the executive director of Brown Hands Literacy.
Latoya holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Central State University and a Master's degree in Reading and Literacy from Central Michigan University.
After reading many children's books to her students and sharing stories about her vacations and HBCU experience, Latoya became inspired to become an author. In 2020, Latoya self-published her first children's book Brown Hands, White Sand and started Brown Hands LLC. In 2021, Latoya published her second children's book Brown Hands, Black Schools: HBCUs. At the end of 2023, Latoya became a filmmaker by writing, directing and producing Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs film.
Latoya is know for her bubbly personality and her dedication to uplifting Black communities through literacy. For Latoya, it is more than just being an author and filmmaker. She often asks herself, “How will I plant memorable seeds for children while exposing them to the world?"
As seen on
Latoya Turner is also the founder and executive
director of Brown Hands Literacy nonprofit organization which is a 501 (c)(3). Brown Hands Literacy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate and empower the youth and families about Historically Black College and Universities while also building a love for literacy through Black children's books, HBCU literacy experiences, and films.
Upcoming events, HBCU scholarships & more!
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Latoya is available for author visits, speaking engagements, film screenings, 1:1 consultations, "Pick Your Brain" sessions and much more!
Please send an email to brownhandsllc@gmail.com
Reviews
Wow! Educating children about HBCUs at an early age is what we need to see more. The children and families will never forget the wonderful presentation by Latoya Turner at Read Across Madisonville.
- Vice Mayor Jan- Michele Kearney of Cincinnati, OH
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Brown Hands, White Sand is a fun and empowering story! Before the story starts a special page where you place your hand which is intended to inspire you set the tone. The story is upbeat with adorable characters full of personality and excitement. Aria was a personal favorite of mine! The illustrations in this book are adorable, colorful, and captivating. This book truly embodies the excitement of going on a vacation! If you are planning on taking your littles on vacation anytime soon especially their first vacation this book is a must read before you go!
-Amazon customer review
I really like how the author captured the images of our beloved alma mater, Central State University in Wilberforce Oh. This HBCU has such a rich tradition and it is wonderful to see a children's book encouraging the HBCU experience. Thank you Author Turner!! This is an excellent book and I highly recommend that you purchase multiple copies!!
-CSU Alumni