Write for Justice
My writing is my superpower. It provides me with tools to make a difference in the world. For me, this is a dream come true since I always wanted to become a superhero for justice. I wanted to become Miss Freedom Fighter, Esquire.— basically, Wonder Woman with a law degree and afro. Can you see me now? My sword is my pen since we are reminded that the pen is mightier than a sword. My shield is my legal training where I seek to create equal access to justice. No good superhero can work alone therefore my team (or modern-day Justice League) are others who share my passion for social justice.
Miss Freedom Fighter, Esquire
Every superhero has an origin story or that sense of righteous indignation that compels them to action. For me, it was the challenges that my clients faced in the criminal justice system. One particular issue was illiteracy. Far too many of my clients learned how to read while in prison or were unable to read. What a miscarriage of justice. This meant my clients could not read their indictments or advocate effectively for their rights. This is a widespread challenge when over 60 percent of offenders are illiterate and 85 percent of youth in juvenile facilities cannot read. According to the Department of Justice, “The link between academic failure and delinquency, violence, and crime is welded to reading failure.”
This is evidenced by the fact that one in four American children cannot read at grade level by fourth grade. When you are unable to read at this point, you are four times more likely to drop out of school. You are also three and a half times more likely to be arrested during your lifetime. I was determined to eliminate one of the key entry points into the tangled web of mass incarceration by focusing on literacy.
My Leadership Journey
I am working on this goal through two strategic strategies: 1) as a children’s book author and 2) as a founder of a social enterprise and nonprofit. As an author, I have written 30 books. My first children’s book, Justice Makes a Difference: The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter, Esquire, was written to inspire our youth to not only read but also lead. It is the story of a young eight-year-old girl, Justice, who learns you are never too young to make a difference. She is inspired by Ida B. Wells to write for justice, Paul Robeson to sing for justice, and Wangari Maathai to plant the seeds of justice. Thousands of children around the world have been inspired by Justice to unveil the transformative power in their hands to make a difference in the world. Each of my subsequent publications has focused on inspiring children to learn more about heroes and sheroes who have taken a stand for justice and become global citizens.
Planting seeds of social change
I founded a social enterprise, Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore. Through our press, we ensure that we are creating diverse books to help young people discover joy in reading. This is the first connection to be inspired to read. In addition, we host writing competitions because we know when young people use their voices, they have power. We are helping to train the next generation of diverse authors.
Through our bookstore, we sell children’s books that celebrate diversity. Why does this matter? It creates both mirrors and windows, according to Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop. Mirrors for young people of color to see a positive representation of themselves on the pages of books. In addition, for all children—we will create windows that help create bridges across cultures.
In addition, I am committed to my charitable efforts that support community building. I founded our nonprofit, Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, which focuses on promoting literacy and diversity in books. This is our commitment to growing futures. One book at a time, one child at a time. To date, we have donated over 15,000 books and inspired 5,000 students through our school visits. We host our award-winning Leaders are Readers program at schools and community organizations. By having diverse authors read their books and share their multicultural stories, we aim to encourage reading and inspire future BIPOC literary artists to share their own stories. Our read-aloud events promote cultural preservation and reflect their rich cultural heritage.
2023 and beyond
I am excited about 2023 and the infinite possibilities that lie ahead. I will continue to write for justice. I am working on six new books related to Black history and culture. I will work towards increasing access to diverse books through our publishing house, Planting People Growing Justice Press. We launched a new distribution with Lerner Publisher Services in furtherance of this goal. This will help us to expand our reach by connecting with children, schools, and libraries across the nation. I am building a new STEM academy in Ghana. I look forward to inspiring our youth to create and build a brighter future.
I hope my story can serve as a source of inspiration for you to tell your story and plant seeds of social change.
Join me and let’s write for justice.
Dr. Artika Tyner is a passionate educator, award-winning author, a civil rights attorney, a sought-after speaker, and an advocate for justice. She is from the Rondo community (Saint Paul, Minnesota) and is the founder of the Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute. Follow her on Twitter at @DrArtikaTyner and on Instagram on @artikatyner and @ppgjbooks.
For our February check-in of the year, Artika is offering one lucky 12 x 12 member a signed copy of JUSTICE MAKES A DIFFERENCE! Get started on those February drafts today!
Not a 12 x 12 member yet? Registration for 2023 closes on 2/28/23. Join now! Click here!
169 Responses
Thank you, Dr. Tyner for your insight. What wonderful things you have put into place for social justice and education for all. Congratulations on your successes!
Good jo, Dr. Tyner. Congratulations on your success! Keep writing justice and pushing for social change.
Thank you, Dr. Tyner for what you are doing by educating children about other cultures and for working for social justice by planting seeds of change. I totally agree… One book at a time, one child at a time!
Wow, thank you for all that you do! You are truly a superhero for kids!
Thank you for your passion and for teaching all of us about the rich history and stories of our greatest asset, freedom and justice super heroes. We need you now more than ever.
Thanks for an inspiring post! And kudos on all your accomplishments in the social justice field! I look forward to reading your book!
Thank you for the inspiring work you are doing!
Very inspiring! Thank you for all you do for literacy.
Thank you for a super inspiring post! Thank you for all your hard work!
Thank you for the important work you do!
Thank you for this inspiring post. I love the idea of infinite possibilities!
Wow! Congratulations on all your successes and keep up the great work! You are an inspiration!
Wow! So inspiring! Thank you for sharing and congratulations on all your success.
Thank you, Dr. Tyner, for sharing your journey and your passions. You are a leader and a role model who will touch and open many lives. Bless you for all you are doing in your practice and your nonprofit. I look forward to reading your books. I’m starting to tutor young children who are struggling in school. I can’t wait to help them improve their reading capability and learn to love books as much as I and my three grandsons do.
I wish you continued success in all that you are doing.
One book at a time. One child at a time. Simple, yet powerful! You are a leader. I wish you success with your books and mission.
You are a super shero on so many levels. And an inspiration to all of us, as well as all the children you reach one child/one book at a time.
I salute you and your endeavors to bring reading into the spotlight. As a retired teacher I love the idea of improving and strengthening reading. You are a blessing to all teachers who have worked hard to help children learn to read.
Oh my goodness – what an inspiration you are and 100% committed to your goal. Thank you!
You are an inspiration to all. I love what you are doing to change the world.
Dr Tyner, you are such an inspiration to teachers and writers alike. The stats you share are horrifying and heartbreaking. Thank you for your proven efforts to shred those numbers and stimulate our youth.
WOW. Dr. Tyner, what an incredible career you have already had, and you remain so passionate and committed. Wishing you the best as you continue to fight for justice!
I am so impressed by all that you do! Illiteracy is a huge concern, bigger, I think, than many recognize. As you pointed out, those who are illiterate con’t advocate effectively for them selves and are more likely to be misled. Thank you for being such an inspiration!
Such an impressive story! Thank you for all your work to advance social justice and inspire children.
Thank you for choosing to improve the world! Inspiring children to lead! It is possible to make a better world, a more just world.
Love this post! . You just inspired me to ‘think outside the book’ to see what more can I do to advance literacy after my story is written (and later published.) Thank you for sharing your passionate story and mission.
Wow! Thank you for all that you are doing. It is impressive, inspirational, and so needed.
Thank you Dr Artika Tyner for sharing what you do with us. You empower young children with your stories, and you are improving the lives of multiple generations with your literacy work.
Thank you for sharing your journey and passion with us! You are doing amazing, empowering work. Great job and best of luck in 2023!
Thank you for your work, and for inspiring others to make a difference.
Thank you for sharing and inspiring us to plant seeds and build a brighter future by inspiring our youth. Promoting literacy is what we do. It is a travesty and a tragedy that in our nation, our world leader, first world country, that so many children cannot read proficiently. Thank you for all you do.
Dr. Tyner, thank you!
After reading your post, I signed up to receive Planting People Growing Justice Leadership newsletter. I now live in Bemidji, Minnesota, and I want to keep abreast of your many initiatives.
Thank you for sharing your story! I look forward to reading Justice Makes a Difference with my kiddo!
Thank you for sharing, I had no idea that there were schools that didn’t turn out readers by the end of 3rd or 4th grade. I believed
all children who attended school learned to read. I worked with children with reading disabilities and they were able to read before
they left elementary school with help from remedial programs. And STEM projects are harder to promote in schools without a good
budget and teachers trained in science.
Wow! Thank you for sharing your story. Seeing how you set goals and learning about all the different ways you work to make those goals a reality is truly inspiring, and is reminder to think outside of the box if you want to break barriers and accomplish something.
Wow! You are working so hard to make this world a better place! I love that your organization Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore is both a mirror and a window- so important! Thank you for the inspiration and all that you do!
What an amazing post! Thank you so much for sharing and inspiring, and congratulations on all your outstanding accomplishments!
Thanks for sharing your journey and for being such a great inspiration! Writing is truly the best super-hero power in my opinion 🙂
Those facts about illiteracy are chilling. What an important cause and reason to inspire your work. Thank you for sharing the story behind your book.
Dr. Tyner, the statistics you presented on illiteracy within the criminal justice system are staggering. Some of my fondest memories as a child were visits to the school and public libraries where I would emerge with an armful of books. The ability to read opens the world to the reader. You have my overwhelming admiration for the work that you are doing and have only to look in the mirror to see a shero.
Wow! The breadth of your talents and impact is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing!
You ae such an inspiration! Thanks fo sharing your story with us!
Thank you, Dr. Tyner! The pen is mightier than the sword! You are a force and your work is desperately needed in the world. Congratulations.
Thank you for your good work and good writing, Dr. Tyner! I have friends that volunteer with the Charleston (SC) Area Justice Ministry – a group of volunteers from several area churches working to help correct some of these “root causes”. I’ll definitely recommend your book to them and others. As Bishop Desmond Tutu said, “There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.”
This is an inspirational post, Dr. Tyner. Thank you for sharing the statistics and your journey to correct the injustices of our times.
Dr. Artika Tyner: You go boldly where few have gone before. Planting seeds of understanding where injustice is rampant will grow us toward unity and hopefully peace without exclusions. Congratulations on your debut picture book. What child doesn’t LOVE super-heroes? Being an elementary and middle school teacher for many years and moving on to teach English in college, I’ve grappled with finding meaningful ways to teach and reach those “lost-in-the-system.” I admire your passion and activism. Sending you energy and inspiration to bolster your super powers…
Dr. Tyner, your passion for social justice and the promotion of literacy is moving and inspiring. Thank you for all you do to lift others and enlighten our world through your writing.
Thank you for sharing your story and your passion. Very inspiring.
Congratulations on all your success! Thanks for all you do. You are an inspiration.
Thank you for sharing your passion and drive with us. You are one busy lady! Congratulations on all of your accomplishments.
You are a true inspiration and leader for social justice. Thank you for your post and for all that you do!
Well Hello Miss Freedom Fighter, Esquire. I loved that you called yourself, Wonder Woman with a law degree and afro. I think that is great and yes the pen is mightier than the sword. With your strong words you can go strong encouraging work. So pens up and fight for Justice to make a differance.
Wow you are doing so much good in the world-with your books and beyond. Thank you for the inspiration
What a wonderful story! I too have a law degree, but practiced in a very narrow field that had little personal impact on people. I am hoping that my picture book writing will help more people, starting with myself, find joy.
Thank-you for sharing your story. In a former life I co-managed the Toronto Women’s Bookstore. I wish your books were available then as I’d have loved to sell them.
This looks like an amazing book and I loved reading about your personal journey. Six more books focused on Black history and culture and a STEM center in Ghana sound incredible. Keep blazing that trail to inspire us all!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us! Very inspirational!
Wow, thank yu Dr. Tyner. We certainly need someone of your insight and passions in America today! I am so happy that you are bringing these issues to children at an early age.
What a wonderful article! I admire the way you are using your law degree in such a unique way!
Wow! I love the work you are doing as a writer AND as a fighter for justice.
Dr. Tyner, you are a force and I love it! Thank you.
You are doing so much good in the world. Thank you for sharing!
Dr. Tyner
I enjoyed reading your post. You are such an inspiration.
Very inspiring, thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing your story Dr. Tyner. I watch a related thread of environmental justice that I want to share here in Louisiana based on my training in the natural resource world.
Wow this is truly inspiring! Thank you for all you do to help people and bring justice/books/writing to the forefront.
Thank you for sharing! I have a Pb in mind that has been in my idea file for a while now that deals with social justice themes! I’m inspired to make 2023 the year I turn it into a draft!
Your passion for breaking the generational curse of illiteracy, in the African American community of incarcerated youth and adults, is inspiring! Thank you for taking action by planting a seed. I hope to water that seed, through my writing and volunteer efforts, someday.
I believe we can help a young person in prison make the greatest change by improving their literacy, their educational level, their access to knowledge. Thank you for the inspiration!
No better way to inspire children and their parents than through PBs! Thank you!
Absolutely critical to introduce the ideas of social justice and that you can be a superhero for your own community early. Your passion is inspiring!
Never stop writing, inspiring us all, young and old.
Wow. The stats you shared about the correlation between literacy and improved outcomes gave me chills. While it makes perfect sense and is something I kind of knew about, seeing the numbers was startling. What important work!
This is an incredible share! Thank you!
You’ve got me thinking about some things I might need to take charge on…..
Thank you for sharing your book and the important work you are doing. As a former teacher, I appreciate you dedication to improving the literacy of those who struggle. Finding the book they relate to is key to opening them up to reading. I think your book will do that for many children.
Thank you, Dr. Tyner, for this inspiring post and your work for social justice!
Thank you for this amazing work, Dr Tyner — past, present, and future! And I love your connection to Rondo in Saint Paul — that history and future is inspiring in and of itself!
I’d love to read this book. I hope to find it at my local library or purchase it near by. The title sounds extremely interesting.
Thank you for sharing!!
So glad I read this post – you are an inspiration to so many!
I love the activism beautifully embedded into all your work as a writer! You are setting an example for us all!
What an inspiring story! Thank you so much for sharing what inspires you to write. I look forward to reading your books!
WOW! Writing is your superpower; I love this. And reading about all the advocacy and work you put into social justice is inspiring. Thank you for all you’re doing and for sharing a part of your journey with us here.
Thank you for this. I am a former classroom teacher and have witnessed many times the powerful reactions of young children who see themselves represented in literature. It is such important work.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for all of your work on behalf of children. As a former social worker, at an alternative high school, I was amazed at the students who continued to show up each day, even after years of academic struggle. Many of them were highly intelligent and had learned many tricks and skills to disguise the fact that they actually couldn’t read.
Very inspiring!
A true super hero. I love what you are doing.
Thank you, Dr. Tyner, for being a role model for girls everywhere. As a former literacy specialist, your commitment to breaking down the barriers around literacy really speaks to my heart.
Thank you Artika for your dedication to justice. Thank you for fighting for diverse books so that all children can see themselves represented. What wonderful work you are doing! I can’t wait to hear more about the STEM academy in Ghana!
I am so impressed by all that you do. Writing children’s books as well as founding a publishing house for social justice related books is so inspiring. Thank you. Judy Kenyon
What an inspiring post, Dr. Tyner. You have already done so much good for the world — and with six new books in the works, this continues. Thank you for making this world a better place.
Congratulations on all of your success! Your work is so inspiring. You are a true super hero!
Very inspirational!
Dr. Tyner, thank you so much for this inspirational post. I found myself growing more and more excited and inspired as I read about your experiences. I too want my writing to serve a bigger cause and what you have done through your platform and mission to create readers is moving. I look forward to following your journey!
Thank you for sharing your journey and all the important things you are doing to help those who need a little extra love and support.
Thanks for all you do to promote social justice and literacy. You are truly amazing. I know that your books will make a difference in the lives of many children.
Your work is so important. Thank you for your passion and hard work toward such a worthy goal!
The stats are shocking, thank you for sharing them, and thank you for all the boots on the ground work you are doing. What an incredible story.
Thank you for sharing your work and talking about what has led you to do what you do.
You are inspirational, Anika! I love your stretegy of using three different channels to achieve your goal. I would like to use your book to inspire the students in a Sunday School where I teach.
Thank you, Dr. Tyner, for your commitment to children, literacy and social justice. All public schools should be, in my opinion, equally funded. Funding that depends on local property taxes is unfair and creates/continues a system of inequity. Every child deserves enrichment, not just the rich kids.
Thank you for the important work you are bringing to the world.
Dr. Tyner,
You definitely are a super hero for justice and literacy. You accomplish so much as an author and a leader of social justice in the community. I like your use of reading as a stepping stone for leading. Best wishes for your continued success in writing for justice.
I appreciate you.
Wow! Thank you for sharing the work you are doing and inspiring us to find our work!
Thank you for this inspirational post!
Thanks for sharing. I think all women have super powers. lol It’s how we care for everyone around us. Best of luck in your writing endeavors.
Wow, way to make a big difference in the world – you are such an inspiration Artika, thank you!
Thank you for such inspiration, both as a writer and as a former literacy specialist who also believes in the power of students developing their own voices through writing! You are doing immeasurably important work!
What an amazing force for justice and change in our world! You make a difference.
Thank you for all you do! I’ve started to follow you on social media and look forward to following you successes and cheering you on.
Your words strengthen my hope. Thank you Dr. Tyner!
I was very moved by your comments about literacy and your clients’ struggles with the justice system. We need to improve reading education with smaller class sizes and better trained and better payed teachers.
Your work and your stories are an inspiration for adults as well as children. Thank you!
Dr. Tyner,
Literacy for Justice is powerful. Thank you for bringing your light to this meaningful message.
Wow, what an inspiration! Thank you, Dr. Tyner, for all that you do. I love how you describe writing as a superpower. I think of it that way, too.
Thank you for sharing the important work you do.
I am completely floored by the statistics in your post about illiteracy. I feel such grief–felt even more deeply because I’m an elementary school teacher! And I’m so grateful for your efforts and passionate, important work though the need can be overwhelming at times. I’m so grateful for the work you do. Thank you for the encouragement as a writer, as well!
Dr. Tyner, congrats on making such a difference. Your work in literacy and justice is an inspiration to us all.
You are an inspiration. I feel your passion in your words. Congratulations on your achievements. I wish for you continued success!
What compelling statistics about illiteracy. Wow. I’m so glad there are people like you out there working to change those stats and bring wholeness into others’ lives.
What an inspiration you are in providing literacy opportunities, education and hope to so many children. Wishing you much continued success in your endeavors.
I love that writing is your superpower, but advocating for social justice is as well. Brava!
While reading your inspiring blog I immediately realized that I need to get this book for my grandchildren. I look forward to reading it with them. I am sure it will stimulate interesting discussions. Thank you for the work you are doing.
As a social worker in the developmental disabilities field, I can relate to the struggles you write about, and the small and large victories faced by people who face challenges, no matter how big or small. Thank you for telling your story and the story of others!
YOU are amazing and an inspiration! It was startling to learn the strong link between illiteracy, dropping out of school and incarceration! Justice and equality for everyone must and will happen, especially with people like you paving the way. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this inspiring post, Dr. Tyner!
Thank you for this inspiration!
Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey! Best of luck with your upcoming books!
Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey! Looking forward to reading your upcoming books!
Thank you so much for sharing. How inspiring!
Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂
You are working for justice on so many fronts! I am challenged and inspired to pursue mission-centered writing and working.
I love hearing about how your passion for and dedication to justice is front and center in your writing
Thank you for pouring your energy into helping children succeed!
Wow ! What a busy person you are. Those statistics are amazing !
Thank you for sharing your story. Good luck with all of your efforts.
Thank you for sharing your mission and your journey to accomplish your goals. It’s very inspiring. I love the term “sheroes,” too!
WOW! What an inspiring post. And I love your word “sheros”.
What an inspiration! Thanks for sharing all you are doing. Keep up the good work and hopefully we can all spread the word.
Very Inspirational! Your social enterprise sounds amazing!
This looks like a wonderful book!!
Thank you for your inspiration! You are doing so much and I appreciate you sharing your journey.
Thank you so much, Artika, for being so amazing and inspiring!! 🙂
Wow! Inspiring and driven and making social change happen. Thank you for your commitment, vision, and everything you doing!
Thank you for the inspiration, Dr. Tyner. I enjoyed reading about your writing journey.
As a former teacher of elementary school, I agree 100% that reading is important. I especially liked the expression that “ books that celebrate diversity…. Provide both mirrors and windows.”
You are doing wonderful things! I was an elementary reading teacher, so I appreciate what you do to level the playing field for all students and your commitment to social change. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thank you for your incredible work especially in the areas of literacy and incarceration it is so needed!
Wow, you are such an inspirational change maker! Thank you for all you do to make a difference!
Thank you so much for this post. I have been learning more about literacy recently, and the facts are sobering and eye-opening.
I love reading my daughter books with strong female MCs!
Way to go! Thank you for your inspiring post!
What a powerful post! You are doing so much to make a difference. Very inspiring! Thank you!
Congratulations on your success! Thank you for the reminder of the importance of both mirrors and windows in kidlit!
What an inspiration you are! Thank you for all you do.
Wow, what an inspiring post. Thanks for everything you do, Dr. Tyner!
So inspiring! You are truly making the world a better place!
Amazing work – literacy is vital.
Illiteracy is such an important concern! And though it sounds too simple, I believe getting books in hands makes all the difference.
You’re doing amazing work! Thank you!!
Wow. You are a true shero. Thank you for the incredible work you are doing – so inspiring.
Wonderful to see such passion!
Yes for supporting more girls getting involved in criminal justice!!
Thank you so much for the inspiring words! As an educator, I see how important literacy is! Thanks for sharing in that fight!
Awesome work you’re doing!
Loved this blog post Artika!
So inspiring! Thank you!
Planting seeds of social change is important. Thank you for your work. How can teachers and students connect with your organization to request a visit?
Reading this post was such an inspiration and motivator to create more books for children that will inspire them to reach for all kinds of possibilities that their minds can dream of. Thank you, Dr. Tyner, for all that you have done and continue to do.