Ssanyu Lukoma: an Advocate, Entrepreneur and Non-Profit Founder
Ssanyu Lukoma, 19
What were you like in your preteens? Were you bold, curious, silly, and outgoing? Did you have big dreams of becoming an astronaut or maybe a doctor? At twelve, Ssanyu Lukoma was an avid reader with a passion for community service and dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. With an investment from her grandmother, she launched her first business, and her other ventures were quick to follow. At thirteen, Ssanyu founded her nonprofit, Brown Kids Read, Inc., an organization dedicated to motivating all children, especially children of color, to read more diverse literature.
Now entering her second year at Howard University as a broadcast journalism major, Ssanyu’s accomplishments are great, but her goals are even greater. Within the past four years, she’s been featured in Essence Magazine, won Miss HBCU Teen, became a published author with two books, and held her very own Tedx Talk. However, what she’s most proud of is being able to give books to children and to see the smiles on their faces. “It’s the best feeling ever . . . I just want to keep doing that.”
Ssanyu’s end game is simple: to make money doing what she loves. Her passion for community service combined with her entrepreneurial spirit has set her up for success now and for the future. “I don’t want to work for somebody,” she says, “I don’t want my creative work to be stifled by consumerism.” She’s found her purpose as a storyteller, and with her platform, she plans on giving a voice to those who go unheard and shifting the narrative on black stories.
Ssanyu’s already accomplished this through her two books “Suubi’s Sunny Smile” and “Chi-Chi’s Toothy Grin,” empowering young readers to feel confident in themselves and take on the world. Her books aren’t just words, they’re affirmations for young children to find beauty in their differences, believe in themselves, and know that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.
A self-identified changemaker, Ssanyu leads by example with courage, kindness, and willpower to stand up for herself and her community. She’s dedicated to shifting the narrative surrounding people of color and empowering others along the way. Her biggest piece of advice to those looking to start a new business venture is to make use of what’s around you.
“No matter what you do, don’t start from scratch. If you're a good writer, write something. If you are a good dancer, dance! All of us have something that makes us unique. Everyone has something that they're good at.”
