St. Louis, Missouri, is grappling with a shortage of books in its communities, but Ymani Wince, a determined Black woman entrepreneur, is spearheading change with the launch of Onyx, a free book vending machine.
Situated at the Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club on the city’s north side, Onyx aims to bridge the literacy gap and provide access to literature, particularly for Black and people of color (POC) communities.
Wince, who also owns The Noir Bookshop, recognized the pressing need for improved literacy in St. Louis, where 30% of third-grade students read below a basic level.
Motivated by a vision of “re-imagining what literacy equity looks like,” Wince devised the concept of the book vending machine as a tangible solution to address this issue.
Despite facing skepticism from some quarters, Wince remains steadfast in her mission to promote reading and literacy, especially among marginalized communities. The Onyx vending machine offers books tailored for students in grades K-12, with plans for expansion to more locations at community and recreation centers in the future.
At the grand opening of the vending machine, students like Jessie Jones expressed gratitude for the initiative, recognizing the profound impact of reading on their lives.
Studies have shown that reading not only enhances cognitive abilities but also contributes to long-term health and well-being.
Wince’s innovative approach to fostering literacy represents a significant step toward empowering St. Louis youth and cultivating a culture of lifelong learning in underserved communities.
To learn more about Onyx, click here.
