Brooklyn nonprofit sets $20,000 target to expand beyond story hours
Brown Babies N’ Books aims to fund maternal wellness events and neighborhood libraries after hosting 30 community events.
By Riya Zhao ·
Residents in Brooklyn can expect new types of family programming from a local nonprofit that has moved past its initial format. Brown Babies N’ Books has set a fundraising goal of $20,000 to support expanded services. The organization seeks to shift from monthly meetups to a continuous operational model.
Founder Dessa Carroll started the group after moving to Kensington. She noted a lack of representation for Black and brown families at local mommy-and-me events. Carroll described the neighborhood as having a goldmine of authors and illustrators. She realized the need for regular access to diverse literature did not end with a single monthly gathering.
Board member Ebony Smalls recalled being treated rudely at a local library. She said free programming was often restricted by parents. Smalls stated that families approached Carroll after events, sometimes crying about the books and the atmosphere. The leadership team decided to listen to that feedback and pursue a more sustainable structure.
The group has now hosted 30 events. Carroll and Smalls want to create a continuous fundraising system similar to larger organizations like PBS or NPR. They aim to ensure the work continues without relying on one-time donations. The team clarified that they are not asking struggling parents to give their last money. Their target audience is individuals with excess funds who can support the cause.
Funds will support programming beyond simple story times. Carroll listed maternal wellness events and retreats for new moms as upcoming priorities. The group is also working on laundry initiatives and installing little library boxes in Brooklyn neighborhoods identified as book deserts.
Carroll mentioned plans for outdoor discovery gardens to address food insecurity. These projects are part of a broader effort to support families in the community. The organization describes itself as community-driven and focused on representation. The $20,000 target is the next step in that effort.
The nonprofit operates in Brooklyn with a focus on legacy through literacy. Carroll is a transracial adoptee who raised her child in a predominantly white neighborhood before moving to the city. Smalls serves on the board alongside Carroll. The group continues to build on the response to community needs for diverse authorship.
