Black Family Community Cookout 2026
“Thank you for being here!”
Words can’t express how blessed I am to have been apart of the first Black Family Community Cookout hosted by @utahfostercare in conjunction with @impactmagazine alongside @coachherlife • Black Physicians of Utah Mental Wellness Alliance • @bo_slc (who put me on to the event; thank you!) • & @dj150proof !
From meeting Black foster youth and their families, to hearing from 1 of the 8 Black families registered to foster in the state, the event was incredible! The BBQ and music was fantastic and reminded me of all the cookouts I experienced growing up.
It was super cool to meet a deaf/hard of hearing family who have recently adopted a Black child. They were so excited for this event so they could stay connected to another part of their identity and heritage!
And, despite getting hit with rain, and having to flee to save the books until my new tent comes in, everyone came to my aide. That’s what community is all about!
Despite doing some amazing giveaways, I want Crowne Books to have a continued impact with the 150 Black Foster Youth currently in the system. We are partnering with Utah Foster Care to present Pages & Packs: Starter Libraries for Black Utah Foster Youth!
Our initial goal of raising $1,500 will impact 10 Black children in care by providing them an age appropriate collection of 3-5 Black Books 📚, a premium backpack with school supplies for the academic year 🎒, and identity-affirming care such as durags, wave caps, and bonnets. Along with other items from community partners to be announced soon!
Crowne Books will sponsor the first pack, and all packs will be donated directly to Utah Foster Care to distribute.
Watch this space for more news when the project officially launches! You can donate early if you wish. Liking, commenting, sharing, and of course, signing up to foster or mentor goes a long way to help.
Finally, if you want more free books, and to do good, join me and some amazing booksellers next weekend for @krclradio Day in the Park with @utahlgbtqchamber as we give out books to fight Utah’s ongoing book bans!
