The Givens Foundation for African Amer Literature

Founded in 1972, the Givens Foundation for African American Literature‘s mission is to enrich cultural awareness and learning through programs that promote and celebrate African American literature and writers. 

Each year, we serve nearly 8,000 students, educators, readers, and writers through four programs:

• Culture Matters K-12 Education Residency Program, an innovative program which places teaching artists in schools and uses African American literature as a springboard for teaching reading and writing.

• Writers Retreat Program, a series of workshops, performances, and a retreat where writers come together to develop their craft and promote a sense of community.

• Black Market Reads (BlackMarket Reads.com),  is a national podcast showcasing Black Minnesota and Black U.S. authors. The podcast is designed to increase awareness and access to literature by African American authors nationwide and now reaches readers in over 12 countries. It is the nation's largest podcast featuring Black American writers.

The mission and programs of The Given Foundation also collaborate with the Archie Givens, Sr. Collection of African American Literature located at the Elmer L. Andersen Special Collections Library at the Unviersity of Minnesota-Twin Cities. This collection contains more than 18,000 African American literary works and cultural objects dating from the late 18th century to the present.

Regardless of the amount, every gift is important to us.  Thank you for your support!