When Dessa Carroll became a mother in 2024, she started attending storytimes and “mommy and me” workshops around Flatbush. But as she made her way through Brooklyn’s family-friendly spaces, she couldn’t help but notice a troubling pattern: a lack of diversity.
“The only focus on Black or BIPOC stories was on special holidays,” Carroll told Brooklyn Paper.
Determined to change that, she launched Brown Babies n’ Books in March — a grassroots literacy and wellness initiative that centers Black and Brown families through storytime events, community gatherings and cultural connection. At the heart of the project is a simple but powerful goal: to create a space where children can see themselves in the stories they read.
Her newest initiative, the Little Library Box, takes that mission a step further. The project aims to install hand-painted boxes filled with children’s books by BIPOC authors throughout Brooklyn neighborhoods. Each box will double as a work of art, designed and painted by Black and Brown artists.
An art lover herself, Carroll hopes to merge literacy and creativity in a way that’s both accessible and inspiring.
“Many kids from underresourced neighborhoods have never been to an art gallery or don’t know what it is to meet an author,” she said. “I really wanted to bring the artists’ work to these boxes to give them access, not only to books, but live art.”
Carroll plans to collaborate with six to 10 Brooklyn-based creatives and unveil the boxes at a community showcase in September. Exact dates and a location have yet to be announced. Her GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $3,000 so far.
Beyond the library box project, Carroll has launched a range of events aimed at serving Brooklynites of all ages. Among them are “Bedtime Bonnet,” a cozy storytime event for children, and “Mamas and Merlot,” a gathering focused on mothers’ wellness and connection.
“I really struggled with postpartum wellness and I wanted to create wellness spaces for women,” she said. “You would get to meet women going through similar experiences and have a safe place to pour.”
So far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Carroll described the journey as “amazing,” noting that she has formed meaningful connections with local vendors, families and fellow mothers. As an adoptee, she said she’s found particular joy in meeting adopted children and their families.
“Even as an adult, it’s a gift,” she said.
At its core, her work is about helping children and adults engage with their culture and community.
“In a time where books are being banned and educational resources are being cut, initiatives like this help kids feel seen, valued and connected to their roots,” Carroll said. “Despite the political climate, there’s always strength, healing and art.
She said supporting local businesses and creating spaces for real human connection beyond a screen is vital for children — and healing for adults who “maybe didn’t get to have those stories growing up.”
This month, Carroll is hosting a Juneteenth celebration in Prospect Park featuring an African drum circle, as well as a second event with a curated selection of books about the holiday in collaboration with Lofty Pigeon Books in Kensington. In July, she’ll host an ice cream–themed event with a reading of “Coco! Cherry! Mango!,” presented by the book’s author, Jennifer Cruzado. A future installment of “Mamas and Merlot,” reimagined as “Mamas and McClellan,” will feature a reading of Matriarch by Tina Knowles.
