Planting the Power of Story at Handley School
In celebration of Juneteenth and the powerful legacy of Zora Neale Hurston, Jolt Credit Union, with support from a grant from the Michigan Credit Union Foundation (MCUF), was proud to donate copies of Zora’s Garden to every kindergarten through third grader at Handley School in Saginaw.
Written by Rae Chesny, an award-winning author and nationally recognized Zora Neale Hurston scholar, Zora’s Garden is a children’s book that encourages young readers to dream, discover, and grow just like Zora did. Each student received their own copy of the book, along with a packet of seeds to plant at home.
Zora Neale Hurston was a groundbreaking author, anthropologist, and key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, she is celebrated for highlighting Black culture and the power of storytelling in works like Their Eyes Were Watching God. Her legacy lives on in Rae’s writing and in every child who sees themselves in a story.
“Zora Neale Hurston taught us the beauty of our roots and the power of our voices,” said Chesny. “This book giveaway wasn’t just about handing out books, it was about empowering kids to see themselves as storytellers, as gardeners of their own future, and as part of her enduring legacy.”
Students at Handley were treated to a live reading and discussion led by Rae Chesny herself, who brought the story to life and invited students to connect with its message.
MCUF Executive Director Andrea Tucker shared “Credit unions are driven by the philosophy of people helping people. We’re excited to partner with Jolt CU on this initiative, not only to help plant seeds in soil, but also to plant seeds of knowledge in the hearts and minds of participating students and families.”
Here’s to turning pages and celebrating everything that makes us grow…together.
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