Dr. Linda J.M. Holloway, a distinguished Professor and multi-award-winning children’s book author, is launching an ambitious campaign to give away 1,000 books in support of her Anti-Hair Bullying movement and to address childhood literacy rates.
Inspired by the struggles of young Black children experiencing bullying due to their natural hair, Dr. Holloway is committed to using storytelling as a tool for empowerment and education.
The campaign, which began three years ago, has already seen remarkable success. Dr. Holloway has distributed over 2,500 books, primarily focusing on marginalized and underrepresented communities.
Her first book, I Love My Happy Hair, serves as the cornerstone of the campaign. It highlights the importance of self-love and embracing one’s natural beauty, while also promoting literacy and inclusivity.
In the book, Little Miss Linda struggles with her hair, but her mother teaches her to appreciate and celebrate it. This journey of self-acceptance leads Little Miss Linda to create the Happy Hair Song and an Anti-Hair Bully Pledge, which encourages children to appreciate and respect each other’s differences.
Dr. Holloway, who has been in academia for over 30 years, sees this initiative as more than just a way to distribute books—it’s a platform for making a lasting impact on children’s lives, both locally and globally.
Her efforts have reached as far as South Africa, where her books have helped build a library to provide access to education for children who previously walked miles to access a library.
“I want each child I encounter to feel valued and loved, especially when it comes to their hair,” says Dr. Holloway. “Hair bullying is a painful issue, but by using books and storytelling, we can help children understand the beauty in themselves and others, while also tackling literacy challenges in our communities.”
Her commitment to social change has earned her multiple accolades, including the Dr. Mary Smith Arnold Anti-Oppression Award, Women Who Impact Alabama, and the Wilbur A. Tincher Award for Humanitarian and Caring People.
Dr. Holloway has been featured in prominent media outlets like The Roland Martin Show, The Grio, and Resilience Magazine.
As a professor at Alabama State University, Dr. Holloway continues to educate and inspire the next generation of educators and leaders. Through her books, she aims to empower children to embrace their uniqueness and use education as a path to empowerment.
Dr. Holloway’s campaign to distribute 1,000 free books is just the beginning. With plans to invest in all eight of her award-winning books, she hopes to continue her mission to educate, elevate, and empower children across the globe.
For more information, visit Dr. Holloway’s YouTube channel here, or learn more about her books available on Amazon.
