The 2025 Little Black Book Drive is reminding children across Brevard County that the stories they read about astronauts, engineers, and musicians can help them imagine bright futures of their own.
“By bringing books centered on STEM, fiction, and empowerment to the youth of East Mims, we’re equipping them with the tools to imagine, create, and succeed,” said Rolanda Gallop, one of the drive’s organizers. “Reading gives them access to the American Dream and the power to be who they are.”
At the recent Juneteenth Arts & Cultural Celebration at Riverfront Park, volunteer Rolanda Hatcher Gallop helped children like 4-year-old Ileana choose books from the drive’s table. Each child could select two books to keep, from a large collection focused on science, history, and empowering stories.
What is the Little Black Book Drive?
Founded in 2022 by Rolanda Gallop, her husband JD Gallop (a FLORIDA TODAY reporter), and Lynda Hudson, the Little Black Book Drive is a non-partisan initiative dedicated to promoting literacy, celebrating Black history and achievement, and inspiring creativity in youth. The drive focuses on getting books into the hands of children who might not otherwise have access to titles about STEM, history, and fiction.
The initiative addresses literacy challenges in Brevard County, where nearly one in five residents struggle with reading, according to Literacy for Adults in Brevard.
“More than ever, this is a must,” said Gallop. “We believe that every child, regardless of background, deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories and history books they read.”
Expanding Across the Space Coast
Since its founding, the drive has distributed hundreds of books with the help of local businesses like Essence of Knowledge and Onyx Gifts, along with generous individual donors.
“The byproduct of what we’ve done is that we’ve not only inspired youth to read more or learn about new topics, but we’ve heard stories of kids building their own home libraries from the books they pick out at our giveaways,” said co-founder Lynda Hudson. “That’s really special in an age where we’re competing with the digital world.”
Where to Get Books
Books will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Juneteenth celebration at the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex in Mims on June 21. Children must be present to select books.
“This drive places culturally relevant, affirming, and age-appropriate books directly into their hands and helps them see themselves reflected in the stories they read,” said Sonya Mallard, the cultural center’s coordinator.
Books will also be distributed on July 11 at the Cuyler Community Center in Mims for children pre-registered in summer camp.
For updates on book distribution locations, contact:
- Rolanda Gallop: 321-298-9097
- Lynda Hudson: 954-410-1791
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