The Story Behind Brown Girls Read
Brown Girls Read began from a love of reading. As a child, Mrs. Nicke loved to read. Through books she was able to travel and see things she never thought possible for herself. She realized that she was able to escape childhood drama and experience life through the eyes of the characters within the books. But, it wasn’t until she had her daughter that she understood how her love of reading impacted her daughter.
From elementary school until her senior year in college Mrs. Nicke’s daughter would give her a list of books that she wanted for Christmas. She would purchase 10 books a year for her. Some would be sequels and the next year she would ask for the next book in that sequel. Her daughter grew to be an honor student all through school and remains an honor student in college. Her daughter contributes part of her success to her love of reading.
“I contribute part of her determination, confidence and pride in the young woman that she has become to reading.
I now want to give that same experience to other brown girls. Brown Girls Read is my contribution to these other girls that need an escape, an experience, a getaway or just to be able to see things from someone else’s point of view.” – Mrs.Nicke Haney
Our Mission
Brown Girls Read empowers young Brown girls to become confident, well-rounded individuals by providing immersive experiences, access to education, and literacy development. Through culturally responsive programming, mentorship, and book selections centered on their voices, we foster self-confidence, community engagement, and a lifelong love of learning. By connecting them with college mentors and campus leaders who reflect their identities, we affirm the power of Brown girlhood and open pathways to future success.
Our Board of Directors

Our Mentors
