From #1000BlackGirlBooks To Elle Editor Marley Dias Is An 11 Year Old Power House
At a first glance, Marley Dias seems like your average 11 year old from New Jersey, but with a quick search of her name and the movement she launched you’ll realize there is nothing average about her.
She’s the force behind #1000BlackGirlBooks, a book drive to form a collection of children’s books that are relatable to Black girls. Marley made a name for herself that brought her all the way to The White House. She told her mother that she was tired of being given books to read in school about “white boys and their dog” because she wanted to be able to relate to the content of children’s literature. So instead of just complaining, she did something about it.
Now, she’s taking it one step further. Marley Dias has just been named Editor-in-Residence of her own digital mini-magazine Marley Mag in collaboration with Elle Magazine.
A few highlights from #MarleyMag launch party. Thank you @ELLEmagazine and @WarbyParker . #1000BlackGirlBookspic.twitter.com/YgOM18HEwv
— Marley Emerson Dias (@iammarleydias) September 23, 2016
In the editor’s letter penned by Marley on Elle.com, she says “In the blink of an eye, I’ve gone from being a book nerd in West Orange, New Jersey, to an Editor-in-Residence in New York City. I’ve always said that books have taken me on many adventures, but none of those adventures have been quite like this one. This isn’t a dystopian novel or a fantasy. It’s my real life. I, Marley Emerson Dias, have gotten the chance of a lifetime. I’m creating a brand-new zine for one of the most-read magazines in the world.” That’s serious Black Girl Magic!
It’s almost time. #MarleyMag@WarbyParker with @ELLEmagazine. See you there. #1000BlackGirlBookspic.twitter.com/AImMn5zjqD
— Marley Emerson Dias (@iammarleydias) September 22, 2016
Marley Mag focuses on the celebration of people who “create new spaces for others to shine.” This includes the likes of Misty Copeland and Ava DuVernay. We’re excited to see what’s next for this ambitious 6th grader, but in the meantime check out her online magazine here.
