PPGJLI Accepting Entries for its Inaugural Children's Book Awards Competition

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Aug. 23, 2023 - PRLog -- Planting People Growing Justice™ Leadership Institute (PPGJLI), a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Artika Tyner, is seeking entries in multiple categories for its first Children's Book Awards writing competition. The contest is focused on children's picture books by authors and illustrators of African descent.

"This project furthers our goals of celebrating Black artists, showcasing the rich cultural history of the African diaspora, and offering opportunities and resources for children and families to access absent narratives by supporting diverse authors," said Tyner.

The competition is now open to any author or illustrator of African descent and submissions must have been published between 2020 and 2023. The competition closes on Dec. 1, 2023. Authors and illustrators must submit a PDF of their work, along with the category in which it's being submitted. Entries should be sent to info@ppgi.org, with the book title and "Book Award Submission" in the subject line. Five copies of the book should be mailed to: Planting People Growing Justice, 1654 Sherburne Ave., Suite 200, Saint Paul, MN 55104. The books become the property of PPGJLI and won't be returned at the close of the competition. There is an entry fee of $50 per book/category. Entry fees can be paid online.

Winners will be contacted on March 1, 2024 and a public announcement of the winners will be made on March 18, 2024. Winners will be honored at an awards ceremony in May 2024 at a date to be announced.

Entries from those of African descent living in Minnesota are sought in the categories of Best Illustration and Book of the Year. A Book of the Year Award will also be chosen from among submissions by those of African descent living across the U.S.

First through third place awards will be presented in the categories of Social Change and Black History. First place winners receive a $400 cash prize. Second place winners receive a $200 cash award, and third place winners in those two categories will receive a $100 cash prize.

The PPGJLI Children's Book Awards (https://www.ppgjli.org/ppgjli-childrens-book-awards) is a unique opportunity for Black authors and illustrators to be recognized for their creative works. The competition is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council due to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

About Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute
Launched in 2015 by Dr. Artika Tyner (https://www.artikatyner.com/), PPGJLI 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.