logo

Bringing a multicultural spirit to children's literature

  • What We Do
    • EJK Award
      • About the EJK Award
      • All Winners & Honors
      • Mock EJK Award Toolkits
      • EJK Award Book Discussion Guides
      • FAQ
    • EJK Bookmaking Competition
      • About the EJK Bookmaking Competition
      • 2022 Winners
      • EJK Bookmaking Tutorials
      • Past Winners
      • FAQ
    • Documentary: Tell Me Another Story
    • EJK Mini-Grants (returning 2024)
    • Partner Programs & Awards
    • FAQ
  • About Ezra
    • Ezra’s Bio
    • Ezra’s Bio for Kids
    • Awards & Honors
    • Ezra’s Books
    • Keats’ Select Bibliography
    • FAQ
  • For Educators
    • Ezra’s Books
    • Keats Author Study Kit
    • Keats Books Social Emotional Learning
    • Keats Select Bibliography
    • Themed Book Discussion Guides
    • Read Aloud Tips
    • EJK Bookmaking Competition
    • Mock EJK Award Toolkits
  • For Kids
    • Games
    • Animated Read-alouds
    • Ezra’s Bio for Kids
  • About Us
    • Our Staff
    • Our History
    • Press Releases
    • FAQ
  • Shop
X Close

About Us

image
Illustration from “Pet Show” EJK

Our Mission

To bring the multicultural, creative spirit of Keats into children’s lives and literature

  • Supporting arts and literacy programs in public schools and libraries
  • Celebrating new writers and illustrators of exceptional picture books for a diverse audience of children
  • Preserving Keats’s work and extending his legacy

   Our Staff    Press Releases    Contact Us

Our History

The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation was incorporated in 1964, with Ezra as President and his lifelong friend, Martin Pope, as Secretary, and remained private until Ezra’s death, in 1983. His will directed that the Foundation use the royalties from his books for social good. It was left to his successors to decide how best to carry out his wishes.

Martin and  Lillie Pope, now both deceased, became President and Vice President of the Foundation, and focused the work of the foundation  on a population and institution especially dear to Ezra: children and public education. Through its Bookmaking and Mini-Grant programs, the Foundation provides children across the country with opportunities to enjoy reading, develop a lifelong love of learning, and to believe in themselves.

Ezra’s commitment to diversity in children’s books is acknowledged by the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award, which recognizes emerging writers and illustrators whose books reflect our diverse culture. The Foundation also supports fellowships for the study of children’s literature and scholarships in art and music to universities, museums, music schools and other public organizations.

Deborah Pope, Executive Director since 2002, has made it her mission to expand the programs to reach as many beneficiaries as possible. For a complete list of current programs, and partners see What We Do.

Copyright ©2023 · Ezra Jack Keats Foundation
Share
Follow
Ezra Jack Keats Foundation
450 14th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215-5702

Contact Us