our Story
Far more than a book club, we celebrate the humanity and cultural expression of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people. Through literature, our intergenerational community addresses systemic inequalities and encourages civic engagement.
Well-Read Black Girl goes beyond diversity. We are committed to honoring the stories of our ancestors. With each title selection, we shift narratives and move towards a more equitable publishing industry that ensures authentic representation & access for emerging authors.
Support our movement! Your donation helps us produce our annual literary festival and create new opportunities for young readers.
Support our movement! Your donation helps us produce our annual literary festival and create new opportunities for young readers.
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER
Meet
Glory
Well-Read Black Girl (WRBG) was founded by Glory Edim in 2015, as an Instagram account meant to visually illuminate the words and powerful affirmations of her literary heroes - authors whose photos and works inspired her, and asserted pride, collective empowerment, and optimism. Now with an online community of over 435K+ members, WRBG has evolved into a movement and literary arts organization. Its mission is to provoke conversations around publishing, politics, and pop culture, and to amplify new work by African-American artists, from authors to activists to playwrights to policymakers.
Using literature and storytelling as a tool for advocacy; specifically, in the areas of mental health and gender equity, Glory works nationally to shift the narratives of Black girls and women in society.
Awards
2017 Innovator’s Award from the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes
2019 Recipient of the Madam C.J. Walker Award from the Hurston/Wright Literary Foundation
2021 recipient of the Petticoat Award from the Sadie Nash Leadership Project
REcent press
Well-Read Black Girl (WRBG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to amplifying the voices of Black, Brown, and Indigenous writers. Through storytelling, we advocate for social change and equality.
We use storytelling as a tool for activism, and by presenting programming that connects audiences with diverse literary works and authors. Since launching in 2015, WRBG has accomplished much. We have:
Built an online following of over 400,000 members on Instagram;
Collectively read over 100+ books by Black women authors;
Produced 6 successful sold-out literary festivals; established partnerships with 80 independent bookstores nationwide; and
Featured an array of debut and established authors at book club meetings, including Jacqueline Woodson, Brit Bennett, Nicole Dennis-Benn, Zeba Blay, and Janelle Monáe; and
Published On Girlhood and Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves, award-winning anthologies curated by WRBG founder Glory Edim.
ABOUT WRBG
In 2023, we plan to launch a debut fiction series with Liveright Publishing and expand our youth programming to include the Well-Read Kids Book Fair and summer educational initiative, Camp Joy.
WRBG’s Commitments
To be a public literacy platform designed to broaden knowledge about, and engagement with, authors writing about Black, Brown, and Indigenous experiences.
To offer public and accessible programming that highlights the value of authentic representation in literature
To advocate for BlPOC women and girls in every sector of society, making room for truth-telling that leads to structural change.
Support WRBG
Help Us Grow
Our annual festival and year-round initiatives promote creativity, activism, and equitable change. If you’d like to support the work we do and see our organization thrive for years to come, please consider making a donation.