Being a young adult in the world, specifically in the United States, comes
with a pressure to have an opinion and use it to make positive change. While
that statement holds true, it can be overwhelming. As the Black Lives Matter
movement has emerged due to the murder of George Floyd, a baby adult, like
me, is culturally pressured to find their outlet of change. The best place to start
for me was to attend a student-led event Students in Solidarity; it included a
grace space for young, suburban BIPOC (black, indiginous, people of color)
students to speak their truth and others to listen and reflect. The event ended
with a march in Plymouth. Protesting in the streets I’ve driven my whole life has
allowed for my own reflection on my own upbringing and cultural perspective
I’ve grown up with.

Since my Little Free Library Silver Award Project for Girl Scouts, I have seen
the power of literature on a community’s culture. I started to create a space for
education and reflection, and then decided to incorporate literature from black
authors, as well as diversifying the literature toward inclusion and community.
Although this may not create monumental change, it will begin difficult and
needed conversations for all ages, one person, family, and community at a
time.