SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Feb. 6, 2021 - The founder of Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, Dr. Artika Tyner, has been honored with a certificate of recognition from the Minnesota Twins. The Major League Baseball team acknowledged her efforts on behalf of children and equality as part of its Learning Through Baseball Education Hero program.
In a letter to the educator from the team, they noted: "We want to acknowledge the effort and passion you put forth in the work that you do. It's apparent that you care deeply about kids' well-being and their access to quality education. To demonstrate our gratitude, we have attached a certificate of appreciation. Thank you for making a difference in lives of students each day! You will always be a hero in our eyes."
The team's Learning Through Baseball Education Hero program is designed to celebrate education professionals, teachers, administrators, coaches, parents, youth mentors or volunteers in Twins Territory. To be considered as an Education Hero, fans nominate individuals that have gone above and beyond to advance social equity and support children in their education. Education Hero is just one of the many programs the Minnesota Twins conducts in support of education and literacy.
Tyner, Ed.D., M.P.P., J.D., is the founder of the non-profit organization Planting People Growing Justice™ Leadership Institute (https://www.ppgjli.org/) (PPGJLI). The PPGJLI advocates for promoting literacy and diversity in books while fostering culturally responsive teaching.
A prolific author, Tyner has written several award-winning children's books that promote literacy, cultural awareness, and leadership development. She has the distinction of writing a first of its kind children's book about the U.S. Census and hosting an annual youth leadership summit at the Senchi Ferry Library in partnership with the Ghana Scholarship Fund.
Tyner was a featured speaker on the virtual Social Justice Speakers Series conducted by Comcast/NBC Universal (https://utah.comcast.com/2021/01/17/watch-here-social-jus...) in partnership with the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs, where she spoke on the school-to-prison pipeline. The educator has been featured on numerous panels and professional forums around the world. The recognition by the Minnesota Twins is especially gratifying for the many individuals that have benefited from Tyner's efforts.
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