A story told in her own words
I opened a book. Then I found me.
I found a girl with curls like mine, courage I could borrow, and a voice that sounded like the one growing inside me.
This is where my reading story begins.
READ WITH JOY✦RISE WITH CONFIDENCE✦WRITE YOUR STORY✦LEAD WITH PURPOSE✦✦✦✦✦
03
My voice grew
I raised my hand. I read out loud. I wrote my own ending.
I learned that every new word belonged to me. My ideas deserved space. My voice did not have to be perfect to be powerful.
02
The story that saw me
Then I met a girl who looked like me.
Her skin was brown. Her dreams were big. She made mistakes, asked questions, and still became the hero. Page by page, I stopped reading only about who I could be. I started believing her.
01
Before the first page
I thought reading was something I had to get right.
Sometimes the words moved too fast. Sometimes I stayed quiet so nobody would hear me stumble. I thought good readers always knew the answer.
And now
I do not just read the story.
I rise inside it.
Black Girls Read & Rise is where I discover books, build confidence, use my voice, and imagine every place it can take me.
Start my reading journey →Latest from BGRR
What’s happening now.
Newsletters, family updates, reading opportunities, and upcoming events, all in one place.
New stories and events are coming soon.
Our why
Every child deserves to feel seen in a story.
Black Girls Read & Rise Foundation was born from Dr. Louise E. Vincent’s research and a call to close literacy gaps through access, encouragement, and community.
Meet our founder
Dr. Louise E. Vincent
Founder · Educator · Literacy Advocate
Black Girls Read & Rise Foundation began with a question that became a calling: what changes when every child has access to books, belief, and a community cheering them on?
While completing her doctoral research at Southern University and A&M College, Dr. Vincent saw the real people behind the reading-proficiency statistics. She built Black Girls Read & Rise in 2011 to help young readers grow in skill, confidence, and possibility.
“When children learn to read with confidence, they gain the power to rise, lead, and create brighter futures.”
The Reading Room
A book can be the beginning of everything.
Explore stories by age, mood, reading style, and the things that make you feel most like you.
01
Little Readers
Read-alouds, picture books, phonics fun, and big imagination for K–2.
Open the shelf → 02Growing Readers
Chapter books, vocabulary, friendship, courage, and adventure for grades 3–5.
Open the shelf → 03Bold Readers
Identity, leadership, Black history, writing, and future-building for middle & high school.
Open the shelf →Personalized book finder
Let’s find a story that feels like you.
Take a 30-second quiz and get a joyful reading recommendation.
what should
I read
next?
The Rise Readers Adventure
Six weeks of reading, creativity, and Black girl magic.
Follow Amara through a magical library where every chapter unlocks courage, language, imagination, and a brighter future.
- Week 01
The Door to the Hidden Library
Discover your reader superpower.
- Week 02
The Book With No Ending
Write, imagine, and finish the story.
- Week 03
The Village of Lost Words
Collect powerful new words.
- Week 04
The Mirror That Speaks
Practice confidence and “I Am” affirmations.
- Week 05
The Bridge of Brave Choices
Lead with kindness and courage.
- Week 06
The Rise Readers Celebration
Reflect, graduate, and keep rising.
Little Rise Readers: K–2 • Rise Readers: Grades 3–5 • caregiver-managed
Join the adventure →The Rise Resource Hub
Every reader has a place to begin.
Choose your path for practical help, inspiration, and next steps.
Choose a path to see what is waiting for you.
Rise in confidence
Her voice matters. Her story matters. She matters.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
— Dr. SeussConfidence journals, identity affirmations, young-author tools, Black author spotlights, leadership activities, and a soft place to grow.
Explore the Rise Club →Rise together
Reading is better when the whole family rises.
Simple, joyful tools for busy families, classrooms, libraries, churches, and community leaders.
- Family reading-night guides
- Printable reading logs & activity packs
- Black-author book lists
- Book-club kits & classroom challenges
How can I help my reader?
Find gentle, practical support for every reading stage.
Bring BGRR to your school.
Request a workshop, book drive, reading club, or partnership.
The Rise Readers Club
More than a reading program. A world to belong in.
Caregiver-managed digital memberships help young readers track their journey, earn badges, attend reading nights, upload projects for approval, and celebrate every page.
♡ Safe by design: no direct messages, no public full names, and all child work is caregiver-approved and moderator-reviewed.
Become a BGR member →
Get involved
Help every reader rise.
What’s next
Books, brilliance, and beautiful things ahead.
Summer Reading Challenge
Learn more →Read, log, earn badges, and celebrate every chapter.
Summer Tea Party
Learn more →A joyful gathering for readers, families, and future leaders.
Miss Autumn 2026
Learn more →Celebrating literacy ambassadors who read, lead, and give back.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
Proverbs 31:25