Today we’d like to introduce you to Ssanyu Lukoma.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my story! One common theme throughout my projects is that I am passionate about highlighting diverse stories. I have been a literacy advocate and avid reader since I was 4 years old and now, all of my projects incorporate books! Beyond the books, I am bold, outspoken, and unafraid to use my voice to leave a positive impact on the world. I love to smile and encourage others to use their strengths and interests to help their communities as well.
I have been an entrepreneur since before I was a teenager! At age 12, I started my first business – Jewelz by Ssanyu. I sold handmade earrings and bracelets, locally, and that’s when I recognized that I wanted to be my boss for the rest of my life. I was 13 years old when I founded a non-profit organization called Brown Kids Read Inc. and our mission is to motivate all children, but especially children of color, to read more diverse literature. Brown Kids Read had an online and pop-up bookstore called The Brown Reads Bookshelf, where all of the books were written by and featuring people of color. I a so grateful that Brown Kids Read has been able to impact thousands of children throughout the last 6 years and now, I’m working on restructuring the way that Brown Kids Read serves communities!
When I was 15, I started a podcast called The Book Junkie, which was specifically created during the Covid-19 pandemic to serve teenagers and encourage them to express themselves through the lens of diverse literature. Then, at age 16, I used my Sweet 16 birthday money to publish my first children’s picture book, Suubi’s Sunny Smile. This story focuses on three main themes: dental hygiene, cultural appreciation, and anti-bullying. I use it as a tool to teach elementary-aged students about the importance of intentional kindness! At age 17, I founded a publishing company called Share a Smile Books to help kids, teens, and college students publish their stories. Now, I have published 2 other teenagers’ books through SASB and I am publishing my second book, Chi-Chi’s Toothy Grin under SASB as well!
When I was in the 8th grade, my best friend Christian and I made a promise that we would attend Howard University together. Throughout high school, we focused on our schoolwork, grew our resumes, and did everything in our power to prepare for Howard’s admissions committee. In December 2022, our dream came true: Christian and I were accepted, Early Action, into The Mecca, Howard University! Now, we’re both flourishing in Washington D.C. as college freshmen and starting our lives as HBCU students.
When I graduate from Howard University, my goal is to host a talk show and find a broadcast media company that highlights diverse narratives. My ultimate goal as a future broadcast journalist is to give a platform to those who often go unheard and provide a safe space for them to share their stories – authentically. I would also like to continue to Share Smile Books and make Brown Kids Read the non-profit sector of the publishing company.
Throughout my entire story, I have always been unapologetically, Ssanyu Lukoma. As the Miss HBCU Teen 2023, I am continuing to show how powerful it is to be yourself. I am so glad that I have been blessed with this platform because it is allowing me to positively impact so many other people by simply doing what I love.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
During my senior year of high school, I had to manage playing on a varsity basketball team, applying to 20 different colleges and universities, submitting applications for scholarships, being a competitive and professional public speaker, writing my second book, Chi-Chi’s Toothy Grin and competing in the Miss HBCU Teen Scholarship pageant. I can confidently say that I was forced to develop my time-management skills and that was a significant challenge.
Throughout high school, I juggled so many extracurriculars in combination with my academics that I often became very overstressed. I have gray hairs and I’m only 18 years old! However, participating in the Miss HBCU Teen Scholarship Pageant contributed to my decision to change my behaviors. I acknowledged that as a college student, the stakes were higher and the habits that I solidify will be harder to rid of in my adult life. Since part of the requirements to compete in the pageant was attending various online workshops and sessions, I was forced to schedule my life very meticulously, to ensure that I didn’t double-book or miss any events.
Now, as a college student, I am so grateful that I started working on those skills months ago because even though I am not perfect now, I am progressing. My new time management behaviors are working towards not creating unnecessary stress and ensuring that I take care of my body.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
From a young age, I’ve been an avid reader, immersing myself in diverse narratives that ignited my imagination and shaped my worldview. This passion for reading, cultivated since the age of four, has been the foundation of my journey as a storyteller and advocate.
In 2018, at age 13, I founded Brown Kids Read Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to motivating all children, but especially children of color, to explore diverse literature. Through this initiative, I strive to bridge the gap between young readers and inclusive stories that reflect the diversity of cultures, experiences, and voices within our global community. I am so proud of this moment because it was the first step towards solidifying my impact as a literacy advocate, making a change in my community using something that I love, and discovering what I want to do for the rest of my life: tell stories.
As a passionate storyteller, I believe in the power to inspire, educate, and empower through the pages of a book. I’m driven by the idea that the stories we share with young readers today shape the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow. It’s essential to expose them to a wide array of perspectives, fostering empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
My dedication to promoting diverse literature stems from the belief that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read and to encounter narratives that challenge, inspire, and expand their horizons. By championing inclusive storytelling, I aim to cultivate a generation of informed, empathetic, and culturally aware leaders who will continue to champion diversity and equity in their communities and beyond.
I specialize in telling stories, using my passion for good, and inspiring others to make a change!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a curious and outspoken child. I loved asking questions and wasn’t afraid to speak my mind. While some called me “bossy,” my parents saw leadership so they corrected those who called me bossy and instead enforced the word, “leader”. This shaped how I saw myself, teaching me to use my voice for good.
Books were my entertainment. I was often finishing books faster than my mom believed possible. And I was always asking for another trip to the library to fulfill my need for new stories. It was very rare that I would take “no” as an answer when I truly believed in something. And I made it a point to be a good friend who made every single person in the room feel included.
Laughter and family have always been important to me. My family is full of humor, and our time together is filled with joy, which is present in many childhood memories. My childhood was defined by curiosity, leadership, a love for reading, and the importance of family. These early experiences continue to inspire me in my journey today.
Contact Info:
- Website: ssanyuspeaks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssanyuspeaks/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ssanyu-lukoma
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ssanyuspeaks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ssanyuspeaks
- Other: brownkidsread.org
Image Credits
Amir Ballard Studio Muze
