American television host, activist, author and culture expert for Netflix’s Queer Eye, Karamo Brown has recently partnered with Pizza Hut’s Literacy Project and First Book, which together aim to inspire young readers across America and make sure that books and educational materials are available to those who need them most.
First Book is a non-profit social enterprise which, since 1992, has distributed over “185 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income communities in more than 30 countries.” They reach an average of 5 million children every year and support “more than one in three of the estimated 1.3 million classrooms and programs serving children in need.”
Karamo Brown’s paid partnership with Pizza Hut’s The Literacy Project and First Book appeared on his Instagram this week. In the post, Karamo explained, “Throughout December, you can help us by adding a donation to your Pizza Hut order. It’s easy, if you want to make a difference, join me! Visit PizzaHut.com/TheLiteracyProject for details.”
In this Instagram post for The Literacy Project, Karamo also plugged his own new children’s book, I Am Perfectly Designed, a book about loving yourself exactly how you are, which was published this year. “One the reasons I wrote my own children’s book, I Am Perfectly Designed, is because representation matters, especially when it comes to how our children see themselves in the world around them,” wrote Karamo Brown, adding “That’s why I’m partnering with @pizzahut and @firstbookorg to shine a light on the importance of increasing access to culturally relevant books for our kids.”
Until the end of December, visitors to Pizza Hut can simply add a donation onto their bill or purchase a ‘First Book Bundle’ which consists of 2 large 3-topping pizzas and breadstick, and a dollar from the price goes to giving books and resources to children in need. If you’re not visiting Pizza Hut any time soon, you can also donate easily online.
Pizza Hut has been working closely with First Book since 2016, raising funds every year. This ‘Giving Tuesday’ the pizza company announced that it will be expanding its support to First Book’s ‘Stories for All Project’, which curates a collection of “new, diverse books and resources that reflect myriad experiences, cultures, and communities.”
“Literacy is one of the most fundamental things we can teach children, but the importance falls flat when underrepresented kids aren’t seeing themselves in the characters on the pages,” says Karamo. “As someone deeply committed to spreading a message of acceptance and inclusion, I’m proud to join Pizza Hut and First Book in their mission to increase access to books that represent—and celebrate—all children.”
“The ability to appreciate and learn from different perspectives has never been more important,” stated Kyle Zimmer, president, CEO, and co-founder of First Book. “We have to actively provide kids with windows into other worlds and mirrors that reflect their own so they understand that they, and everyone around them, have value. We are so grateful to Pizza Hut and Karamo; this effort could not come at a more pivotal moment.”
Karamo’s I Am Perfectly Designed, illustrated by Anoosha Syed, is out now and is available from all good bookstores and online retailers. For educators, the children’s book is available to purchase from First Book’s Market Place, alongside thousands of other books which are up to 90% off retail price.
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