Youth Role Models
Marley Dias
Author and Activist
Bio
Marley Dias (age 17) launched #1000BlackGirlBooks in November 2015, at the young age of 11, with the goal of collecting and donating 1,000 books featuring black girls as the main character. Since then, she has collected nearly 13,000 books with the number rising constantly. Her campaign brought attention to the lack of representation of women of color as main characters in books, more specifically, children and young adult books, where representation is most needed. In 2018, Marley was featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and became the youngest member ever selected, a title she still holds today. She is also the author of “Marley Dias Gets it Done and So Can You,” which is a project she worked on with Ava DuVernay. Read her official bio here.
Follow Marley on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
In the News
Marley Dias: America’s Favorite Book Enthusiast
Marley Dias on Her Female Heroes, Representation, and Changing the World
From Activist To Author: How 12-Year-Old Marley Dias Is Changing The Face Of Children’s Literature
“My passion for books has changed my life”
“I believe activism is the true source of change in the world. Pushing to change social structures in communities that you are a part of is critical for making real lasting change.”
“Girls of color and young women need to be seen, heard, and valued. Schools can help make this happen by including our stories in the curriculum.”
Special Note: The Center for Youth Political Participation, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University or any of its affiliates, are not directly connected or affiliated with the following individual. This page is to be utilized as a teaching tool for the RU Ready in the Classroom program.