Book Writing Competition is the First in a Series to Preserve Minnesota's African American History

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - July 27, 2023 - PRLog -- Minnesota has a rich African American history lasting over generations. Dr. Artika Tyner, founder of Planting People Growing Justice™ Leadership Institute (PPGJLI), announced that Black writers have the unique opportunity to write a children's book that celebrates Minnesota's Black history. The book will be the first in PPGJLI's Minnesota Biography series.

The theme is "Showcase a Minnesota Hero or Shero." The subject of the first book in the series will be Rev. Carl Walker, co-founder of the Walker West Music Academy. Open to Black writers living in Minnesota, submissions should be a 1,400 to 1,600-word biography of Walker. It must be written for reading levels 3 to 4 and interest levels of 3 to 5.

The deadline for manuscript submissions is Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, and entries can be submitted online. The winner of the children's book writing competition will receive $1,500 and 10 copies of the published book. The book's formatting must follow specific rules. PPGJLI has provided links for more information about Walker and video tips from professionals to get writers started (https://www.ppgjli.org/mn-black-history).

The competition is made possible through Minnesota voters and a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council through a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

The children's book competition conducted by PPGJLI's initiative provides an unprecedented opportunity to preserve African American culture in Minnesota. The book is the first in a series that pays homage to the many accomplishments, achievements, and contributions African Americans have made to the state.

About Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute
Launched in 2015 by Dr. Artika Tyner, PPGJLI (https://www.ppgjli.org/) provides a platform for the initiation of social change, cultivation of collective leadership, and promotion of public policy advocacy. The organization's goal is to challenge 10,000 leaders worldwide to make a difference in their communities. Its founder is an educator, author, highly sought speaker, and advocate for justice.