We enjoyed a magical evening on May 24th at the New York Botanical Garden. It was wonderful to be back in person, be together, and share space with the inspiring voices of young leaders and changemakers, at our World of Stories Gala.

We were blown away by powerful words from Marley Dias about the importance of elevating marginalized voices and the urgency of stopping book bans across the country.

With the support of new and long-time friends of LitWorld, we will continue to partner with local, grassroots organizations here and around the globe to deliver transformational programs in joyful, safe spaces where kids and communities shape the world with their stories.

Below are a few photos from the evening thanks to Grace Stockdale of SONGBIRD STUDIO. Click here to view the full photo gallery.

If you were unable to join us this year, you can still support LitWorld’s life-changing work by making a donation.

About Marley Dias

Marley Dias is the purpose-driven 18-year-old founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks and author of Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You!, recognized by TIME as one of the 25 most influential teens in 2018 and by Forbes as the youngest member of the 30 Under 30 list to date.

Currently a student at Harvard University, Marley is also the Ambassador of National Educational Association (NEA) Read Across America, and the host and Executive Producer of Netflix’s Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices. She has been featured in The Atlantic, Forbes, Variety, The Washington Post, Harper’s Bazaar, and CBS This Morning, and spoken at the White House’s United State of Women alongside Michelle Obama and Oprah, the Forbes Women’s Summit, United Nations' Girl Up, and more.