Vallejo - In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Amplify Our Voices, a trailblazing initiative founded by Michele Lamons-Raiford, an award-winning veteran educator and author, is dedicated to filling the gap in children's literature by creating stories that authentically reflect the experiences of Black boys with autism. Lamons-Raiford works to educate and empower children and families by celebrating their identities, particularly neurodivergent ones.
Michele Lamons-Raiford, Who is she?
As a veteran educator, parent of a child with special needs, and advocate, her journey has been shaped by her passion for education and deep commitment to amplifying marginalized and underrepresented voices. Inspired by her personal experiences as a mother of a Black boy with autism, she embarked on a mission to amplify stories and experiences that resemble her son's journey. You can learn more about Michele Lamons-Raiford’s experience in chapter 5 of the Education Pandemic, "Students with Special Needs."
Amplify Our Voices
When asking Lamons-Raiford about Amplify Our Voices, here is what she had to say: “An important problem in the children's book market is that kids like my son, a Black boy with autism, are not shown enough. The movement Amplify Our Voices wants to fix this. In addition to publishing children's books, our goal is to give educators, parents, and advocates a place to share their stories, experiences, and insights.”
Vision for the Future
Amplify Our Voices envisions a world where every child has the opportunity to see themselves represented in the stories they read. The organization strives to provide a platform for educators, parents, and advocates to share their experiences. Its mission is to grow a collection of diverse and inclusive children's books, focusing on representing various marginalized identities. Amplify Our Voices seeks to foster an ongoing dialogue that enables families, educators, and advocates to learn from and support one another, promoting a more inclusive and compassionate society.
How You Can Support
At Amplify Our Voices, they believe that every story matters, and with your support, they can ensure that more children see themselves reflected in the books they read. Here are a few ways you can join in making a difference:
1. Order their Children's Books: By purchasing their books, you directly support their mission to create literature that authentically represents Black boys with autism and other diverse needs. Your purchase helps them continue to write, illustrate, and publish more inclusive stories that celebrate the unique identities and experiences of all children.
2. Share a Story: Do you have a story to tell? Whether you're a parent, educator, advocate, or someone passionate about diversity and inclusion, Amplify Our Voices encourages you to share your experiences with them. By contributing your story, you help create a richer, more inclusive dialogue that empowers others to amplify their own voices. You can do this by emailing at evidentlylamonsraiford@gmail.com or tagging us at @amplify_our_voices on Instagram.
For more information, visit Amplify Our Voices, https://amplifyourvoices.net
Additional Publications:
|
He’s My Friend, That’s All |
Available at Barnes & Noble |
|
Change is OK, Sometimes |
Available at Barnes & Noble |
|
First Field Trip Adventures: Expect the Unexpected! |
Available at Barnes & Noble |
|
Mike and Grandpa’s Red Rocking Chair |
Available at Barnes & Noble |
|
The Education Pandemic: Chronicles of a Black Teacher in America |
Available at Barnes & Noble |
Contact Information:
Email: evidentlylamonsraiford@gmail.com
Facebook: Author Page Michele Lamons-Raiford
Instagram: amplify_our_voices
Threads: amplify_our_voices
Bluesky: m-lamonsraiford.bsky.social
Linkedin: michele-lamons-raiford
Linktree: MLamonsRaiford
Twitter: @LamonsRaiford
Website: amplifyourvoices.net
Media Contact
Company Name: Amplify Our Voices
Contact Person: Michele Lamons-Raiford
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: amplifyourvoices.net