Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Meredith McKinney . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Meredith , appreciate you joining us today. Is there a lesson you learned in school that’s stuck with you and has meaningfully impacted your journey?

My HBCU experience ignited my fire for service and my desire to find creative ways to build up the community. I attended two HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). I had the privilege of attending Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, for my undergraduate studies. Their motto is “Enter to Learn – Depart to Serve.” As a student body, we often spent school breaks traveling to other cities to complete service projects to eliminate hunger, poverty, and disease and improve access to education and food. For graduate school, I attended Alabama A&M University. The motto at A&M is “Service is Sovereignty”. These historical institutions have not only provided me with the professional abilities to impact the community but also instilled in me a personal responsibility to serve.

I gained so much from my years in college. One of the most memorable moments was during my senior year in college; I met with my department head to get clearance to graduate. After we met and she cleared me for graduation, she looked me in the eyes and said, “Keep your personality; it will take you far in life.” I will never forget that! I try to live by those words. I try to stay positive, be a woman of integrity, and treat people with kindness and respect. I believe the words of Oprah Winfrey, “What you put out is already on its way back to you.” I want greatness, support, and kindness to return to me. I believe it has come back to me through the success of the Black Book Project.

Meredith , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a Nashville native who has spent all of my professional career in education. In her professional role, Meredith works at the Board of Education as a Community Achieves Program Specialist for Metro Nashville Public Schools; my work involves supporting Community Achieves school coordinators who leverage community partners to meet the needs of students and families within Metro schools. I received my B.S. degree from Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL, and my M.S. Degree from Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, AL. I plan to start my Doctor of Education (EdD) program in Educational Leadership in August of 2023.

As a former Elementary school teacher, I am most passionate about reading and recognize how vital representation is in children’s literature. The African American students’ reading crisis is crucial and troubling; it should be bothersome to anyone who cares about social justice. I am the Founder of the Black Book Project; an initiative designed to promote literacy and increase representation in children’s literature through the distribution of free books showcasing Black characters. The Black Book Project has given away more than 8,000 books to date! The Black Book Project has been inducted into the Nashville Public Education Foundation Hall of Fame for the impact of the Black Book Project. I was also a finalist for the 2021 Strobel Awards. The Black Book Project has also been featured on PBS to highlight the project’s significance.

I also am a monthly contributor to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), which empowers minority students to get to and through college and become leaders in their communities. I believe education can drastically help level the playing field for people of color. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, and traveling with her husband and two sons.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I have been reading and researching a lot more over the past year and I have read two books that have inspired me in various ways. If you have any extra time, I encourage you to check out these books.

1. I have read the book: You’ve Been Chosen: Thriving Through the Unexpected Hardcover – by Cynt Marshall.

2. 90 Days to C.E.O: A Guide To Avoid Business Pitfalls And Unlock The Secrets Of Entrepreneurship by Rochelle Graham-Campbell. A MUST-READ! So good!!!!

How did you build your audience on social media?

Social media is such a powerful tool! One evening, I made a home video in my kitchen and wanted some friends to donate to my new project. I don’t have a name for it at this point. I was collecting books that showcase Black characters. That one post was shared on social media 169 times. My original goal was to collect 500 books; to date, The Black Book Project has collected over 8,000 new books! The power of social media!

I am still in the process of building my social media presence. I have learned that every time I attend or speak at an event, I ask the audience or participants to take out their phones and follow the Black Book Project on Facebook and Instagram. Of course, I post consistently and engage the followers by giving random gifts and prizes.

Contact Info:

• Website: theblackbookproject.org
• Instagram: theblackbookproject_
• Facebook: The Black Book Project
• Linkedin: The Black Book Project

Image Credits
Book Wall – Fairytales Book Store – Nashville, TN