Meet the President: Turning Pages, Changing Lives – The Story Behind Charity’s Readers for Tomorrow

Every story has a beginning — and ours starts with a young woman who couldn’t find a job, but found her purpose.

Hi, I’m Charity Harris — author, publisher, disability advocate, and President of Charity’s Readers for Tomorrow. I founded this nonprofit because I know firsthand the power of a story. I’ve lived the journey of being overlooked, underestimated, and unseen — and I decided to rewrite the narrative.

From Rejection to Representation

After graduating from the university, I spent three long years searching for employment. Despite a strong portfolio and passion for design, the moment interviewers saw my wheelchair, doors quietly closed.

So I built my own.

In 2019, I launched Purple Diamond Press, a publishing company rooted in inclusion, character-building, and joy. My bestselling book, What If We Were All the Same!, opened the floodgates. Teachers, students, and families embraced its message of self-love, diversity, and acceptance — and the series that followed continued to make an impact.

But it wasn’t enough.

I saw a deeper need: classrooms lacking inclusive books. Libraries missing mirrors for Black or disabled children. Students who had never seen a main character that looked like them or faced the same challenges they did. That’s when Charity’s Readers for Tomorrow was born.

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Stories That Uplift, In a World That Needs It Most

We’re living in a time where bullying, anxiety, and exclusion are on the rise — especially for children with differences. Schools are facing unprecedented social challenges, and many children are navigating complex emotions without the right tools. That’s why positive stories matter more than ever.

Books that center kindness, courage, empathy, and self-worth don’t just entertain — they empower. They teach children how to treat others, how to love themselves, and how to be part of a more compassionate world. Through every story we share and every book we donate, we’re helping to build a culture of inclusion — where no child feels like an outsider.

Why This Work Matters to Me

I didn’t just start a nonprofit — I started a movement rooted in my lived experiences.

As a disabled Black woman, I’ve faced barriers my entire life. But I’ve also seen how books can open hearts and minds. I’ve seen a child’s eyes light up when they see themselves on the page. I’ve watched stories spark confidence, compassion, and courage.

That’s what this nonprofit is about.

We exist to bridge the gap in access to inclusive, affirming literature — especially for Black youth, disabled children, and underserved communities. We donate books that celebrate friendship and kindness. We create joyful literacy experiences. We partner with schools and local leaders to ensure every child gets the chance to feel proud, powerful, and seen.

From One Dreamer to Another

I may be the President, but this nonprofit belongs to all of us. To every volunteer, teacher, parent, donor, and child we serve — thank you for believing in this mission.

Together, we are not just donating books.

We are planting seeds.

We are raising readers.

We are rewriting the future.

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