In 2020, Black Boys Read Too was born out of a shared vision between Ruqayyah Simmons and Jelicia Jimenez to address a critical gap in literacy resources and representation for children in Buffalo, NY. As educators and avid readers themselves, both founders recognized that many children, especially Black boys, were struggling to connect with reading materials that reflected their experiences and identities. This lack of representation not only hindered engagement with literacy but also limited opportunities for children to see themselves as protagonists, leaders, and heroes in the stories they read.

Ruqayyah and Jelicia came together with a simple yet powerful mission: to make culturally diverse books accessible to children in underrepresented communities. They believed that by creating opportunities for children to engage with stories featuring Black protagonists and celebrating diversity, they could foster a love for reading and inspire lifelong learners.

The journey began with the placement of bookshelves in barbershops—an innovative approach to bring books into familiar and welcoming community spaces. These shelves were filled with carefully curated titles that highlighted Black authors, characters, and stories. The initiative quickly expanded to include children's clinic waiting rooms, community centers, and schools, ensuring that no child was without access to books that resonate with their lives.

Beyond distribution, Black Boys Read Too became a presence at community events, hosting book giveaways and connecting with families. The organization evolved into a hub for literacy advocacy, reaching thousands of children and families with free, culturally relevant books. Each step of the way, the founders were fueled by their shared passion for equity and the transformative power of storytelling.

Today, while Jelicia has stepped away from her active role in the organization, her contributions remain a vital part of Black Boys Read Too's foundation and legacy. Ruqayyah continues to lead the organization, building on their shared vision and expanding its reach to ensure that every child can experience the joy of seeing themselves reflected in the pages of a book.

Black Boys Read Too is more than an organization; it is a movement to break cycles of illiteracy, foster pride in cultural identity, and open doors to limitless possibilities through the power of reading.