Black Dot Leadership Academy

Black Dot Leadership Academy

Leadership begins with learning.

Youth literacy programs and book giveaways serving Stonecrest and communities across DeKalb County. We help young people read deeply, think critically, understand their history, develop their voices and recognize that leadership carries a responsibility to community.

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Join the Book Giveaway

Black Dot Cultural Center and Leadership Academy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, doing business as Black Dot Leadership Academy.

Read deeply.
Think critically.
Lead responsibly.

Why the Academy exists

Books open the door. The Academy helps young people walk through it.

Young people need more than information. They need the tools to examine ideas, understand context, speak with knowledge and recognize how their choices affect others.

Read Why the Academy Matters

Kazemde Ajamu moderating a public panel discussion during the 2024 presidential election.
Kazemde Ajamu moderating a public panel discussion during the 2024 presidential election.

How we learn

Ideas become practice.

Reading, research, dialogue, cultural study, public speaking, strategy and service give young people practical ways to grow.

Youth Lecture Series

Study, organize and present meaningful ideas in their own voices.

Summer Learning

Keep curiosity and reading active beyond the classroom.

Book Giveaways

Place carefully selected books where young readers can reach them.

Chess Club

Practice patience, foresight and disciplined decision making.

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The Monthly Youth Book Giveaway

Put the right books in young hands. Every month.

One successful giveaway showed what our community can do. Now we are building a continuing pathway between young people and books that strengthen identity, deepen understanding and expand possibility.

Read About the Giveaway
Give What You Can

$2,800Raised
200Books Distributed

How the work moves

Leadership Academy purpose. Akoma book expertise. Community reach.

Black Dot Leadership Academy leads the youth literacy work. Akoma Coffee & Books selects, purchases, prepares and helps distribute the books. Established community relationships help place them with young readers throughout DeKalb County.

See How the Giveaway Works

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