Welcome to Brown Hands Literacy

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Brown Hands Literacy is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization at the intersection of early literacy, cultural representation, and HBCU awareness. We are committed to building strong readers, confident learners, and future leaders by introducing youth and families to literacy-rich experiences that celebrate the legacy and opportunities of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

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Our organization was founded by Latoya Turner, a nationally recognized educator, literacy advocate, filmmaker, and community leader. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Latoya has called Cincinnati, Ohio home for the past eight years, where her work continues to transform classrooms, communities, and the national conversation around literacy and HBCU education. Latoya is also the founder of the HBCU Literacy Hub. 

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A proud alumna of Central State University, Latoya earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and was recently inducted into the Central State University Alumni Achievement Hall of Fame in recognition of her outstanding educational leadership and community impact. She later earned a master’s degree in Reading and Literacy from Central Michigan University, further solidifying her expertise in literacy development and intervention.

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Latoya served as a K–3 classroom teacher for over 13 years, centering literacy, identity, and student empowerment in every space she entered. Beyond the classroom, she spent three years coaching Black and Brown men ages 18–24, providing targeted literacy intervention while intentionally supporting and diversifying the teacher pipeline—addressing the critical need for more educators of color nationwide. 

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What We Offer

Brown Hands Literacy provides engaging, culturally relevant programming and resources designed to support students, families, schools, and educators, including:

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• Author Visits for schools, libraries, and community organizations

• Film Screenings of Brown Hands, Black Schools HBCUs with facilitated discussions

• HBCU Literacy Events that combine reading, storytelling, and college awareness

• HBCU Experiences for Schools, introducing students to HBCU culture, history, and opportunities

• HBCU Send-Off Celebrations to honor and support students enrolling in HBCUs

• Partnerships with HBCU Colleges of Education to support aspiring educators and future teachers

• Community Engagement & Family Literacy Events that bring education beyond the classroom

• Literacy Resources for Grades K–8, supporting both educators and families

• Scholarship Support and College Access Guidance, helping families navigate the process of enrolling students into HBCUs

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We proudly engage students, families, educators, HBCU alumni, and community partners to ensure literacy and college awareness are accessible to all.

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We welcome anyone who shares our passion for literacy, education, and HBCU excellence. Follow us on social media to learn more about the impactful work we have done—and the work we continue to do.

Be sure to click “Our Team” to check out Latoya's bio. 

Thank you for being part of the Brown Hands Literacy community!