our why
Two best friends from East Atlanta and proud 2021 graduates of Southwest DeKalb High School in Decatur, GA, saw a problem close to home. They watched as classmates lost their lives to violence and noticed an alarming decline in literacy among African American children.
Coming from determined and faith-driven homes, they both found a way forward, but never stopped thinking about those left behind. Together, they made a pact: to build wealth, confidence, and literacy not just for themselves, but for their community.
Through Just for Kids, they’ve created stories that help every little Black boy and girl see themselves as more than a statistic. Reminding them that they are powerful, capable, and enough.
Just for Kids isn’t just about today’s generation; it’s about nurturing the next one. Uplifting our communities and helping families rewrite their stories for the better.
Daquan Brown
DaQuan Brown is a graduate student at Brown University, where he is pursuing a master’s degree in Urban Education Policy. A proud native of East Atlanta and alumnus of Morehouse College, DaQuan is deeply committed to expanding educational opportunity, strengthening literacy, and empowering children from underserved communities.
His passion for service has taken him beyond the classroom and across borders. In partnership with Project Esperanza in the Dominican Republic, DaQuan wrote six children’s books, along with accompanying educational materials, to support English-language learners in summer camp programming. His work reflects his belief that every child, regardless of background or geography, deserves access to joyful, culturally responsive learning.
DaQuan’s dedication to community began early. As a Leading Men Fellow, Bonner Scholar, and education advocate, he has completed thousands of service hours focused on literacy development, youth empowerment, and equitable schooling. His creative talents also extend to authorship and filmmaking, using storytelling as a tool to uplift and inspire young people.
With his roots firmly planted in DeKalb County, DaQuan dreams of returning home to become a superintendent, leading the very school system that shaped him. He is driven by a vision of public education where all children feel seen, supported, and capable of greatness.
Nadia Simone
Nadia Gordon, also known as Nadia Simone, is an entrepreneur, social advocate, creative strategist, and HBCU graduate of Benedict College. Her passion for service and community impact began in 2017, when as a high school student in Atlanta, GA, she participated in numerous local service projects experiences that inspired her to launch her first nonprofit, TGT (Tall Girl Tees). Through TGT, Nadia led several community campaigns from 2021-2025, including The Sleeping Bag Project for individuals experiencing homelessness, The Brown Bag Project for underserved families, and God’s Girl, a care package initiative supporting women affected by domestic violence.
After graduating high school during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nadia expanded her creativity and marketing skills by launching By Nadia Simone, offering graphic design services and custom college apparel to HBCU students and small businesses across South Carolina and Georgia. Passionate about protecting and uplifting youth, Nadia now works in children’s advocacy, focusing on educating communities how to be better adults and how to recognize and report child abuse/neglect. Beyond her professional work, she is an active and proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ( Psi 2023 Initiate | 2025 Upsilon Omega Omega Member) and the Lexington County Branch of the NAACP, continuing her lifelong commitment to service and empowerment for underserved communities.
Currently residing in South Carolina, Nadia is pursuing her M.A. in Strategic and Organizational Communication, with plans to expand her expertise in nonprofit marketing and community outreach. Having worked with organizations such as KR Scholars HBCU Foundation and the National Baptist Convention, Nadia remains dedicated to inspiring, empowering, and uplifting students and families for many years to come.
.jpg)
why our books matter
literacy matters especially now
Across the U.S., literacy rates for African American children remain a major concern. Studies show that more than 80% of Black students in elementary grades are reading below proficiency, and the pandemic significantly increased this gap. COVID-19 caused learning delays, reduced classroom engagement, and limited access to reading support, all of which affected children’s writing, comprehension, and early language skills.
Just For Her and Just Like You were created with this reality in mind. These books provide representation, positive messaging, and developmentally appropriate storytelling that help young readers build vocabulary, confidence, and a love for reading. Our goal is to inspire children to see possibility in every page and in themselves.