About Us

The Ola Mae "Book" Jackson Literacy Foundation is the realization of a dream two decades in the making. For over 20 years, Monica Allen has carried the vision of honoring her grandmother, Ola Mae "Book" Jackson, through a foundation dedicated to literacy. Since Ola Mae’s passing in 1999, Monica has longed to create something meaningful in her name, but the demands of growing a business and raising a family kept the dream on hold.

Ola Mae’s unwavering emphasis on the importance of education shaped generations of her family. Her daughter, Pat, carried that belief forward by ensuring books were a central part of Monica’s childhood. One of Monica’s earliest memories is a bookshelf in the hallway outside her bedroom, filled with stories that sparked her imagination and curiosity. Inspired by both Ola Mae and Pat, Monica began reading to her daughter, Imana, even before she was born, nurturing a love for books that has made Imana a ferocious reader and a straight "A" student today.

Imana’s passion for service was further sparked during a life-changing visit to the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. Having heard her mother share this dream for years, Imana decided to take the reins and make it a reality. Together, this mother-daughter duo is bringing their shared vision to life, combining Monica’s cherished memories of her grandmother and mother with Imana’s determination to make a difference.

The Ola Mae "Book" Jackson Literacy Foundation is a testament to family, legacy, and the power of education. By providing gently used books to young parents and their children, Monica and Imana hope to create opportunities, spark curiosity, and honor Ola Mae's unwavering belief in the importance of learning.