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Travel the world through books and adventures 

 

About the Author

Our Mission 

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Brown Hands LLC is committed to empowering children to travel the world and learn about HBCUs through children's books featuring African American characters. We celebrate diversity and encourage kids to build a love for literacy. 

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Latoya Turner is the founder and CEO of Brown Hands Literacy Nonprofit Organization and Brown Hands LLC. She's a mother, educator, HBCU advocate, reading specialist, and Leading Men Fellowship Coaching Specialist with The Literacy Lab. Latoya has taught grades K-3 for 13 years. She's taught in her hometown Detroit, MI, and has also taught in Maryland (PGCPS) and Cincinnati Public Schools. She's been a resident of Cincinnati for 5 years now. After transitioning from the classroom in 2022, Latoya is now coaching young men between the ages of 18-24 who are placed in CPS preschool classrooms to close the literacy gap and diversify the teacher pipeline. The Leading Men Fellowship is a new literacy program in Cincinnati.  

 

Latoya holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Central State University and a Master's degree in Reading & 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. In 2021, Latoya published her second children's book Brown Hands, Black Schools: HBCUs. She also has Brown Hands merchandise such as bucket hats and beach towels.

 

Brown Hands is a 2022-2023 Black Empowerment Works Grantee with United Way of Greater Cincinnati. With the funding, Latoya will host HBCU Literacy events for the community. Latoya’s goal is to educate kids about HBCUs at an early age through her HBCU literacy events which consist of Black children's books, HBCU representatives, HBCU alumni, Greeks, resources, literacy activities, and learning about the history of HBCUs. 

 

Latoya enjoys reading children's books and going to the beach. Latoya has been featured in several news outlets for her community work, uplifting children's books, and exposing our youth to more than just the curriculum. For Latoya, it is more than just being an author. She often asks herself, “How will I plant memorable seeds for children while exposing them to the world?"

HBCU Literacy Holiday Experience was beautiful and memorable. Thank you! 

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Latoya Turner is also 
the 
founder and executive 
director of Brown Hands 
Literacy nonprofit organization which is a 501 (c)(3).  

Follow us on social media! 
 

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News Segments

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Events 

Ebooks are available on Amazon

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 

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 

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