Lexington Nonprofit Hosts Black History Book Giveaway to Honor Late Daughter

One Lexington executive director Devine Carama organized the event to promote literacy and Black history education.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:49am

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A brightly colored, abstract grid of children's books in bold primary colors, representing the accessibility and diversity of educational resources provided at a community book giveaway event.A community book giveaway aims to make Black history education more accessible and bring people together through a shared love of learning.Lexington Today

In Lexington, Kentucky, One Lexington Executive Director Devine Carama hosted a Black History book giveaway in honor of his late daughter, Kamaria Spaulding, who passed away six years ago in a car crash. Carama said his daughter was passionate about literacy and Black history, so the nonprofit Believing in Forever Inc. collected 800 books and gave away 200 at Gatton Park to continue her legacy.

Why it matters

The book giveaway aims to promote literacy and Black history education in the local community, while also honoring the memory of Kamaria Spaulding and her own efforts to provide educational resources. Events like this can help bridge divides and bring people together around shared values of learning and understanding.

The details

Before her passing, Kamaria Spaulding had written a grant to provide Black history education classes to community members of all ages. After her death, her father Devine Carama organized the Luna Library book giveaway through his nonprofit One Lexington to continue her mission. The Believing in Forever Inc. nonprofit collected 800 books and gave away 200 at Gatton Park during the event.

  • Kamaria Spaulding passed away in a car crash six years ago.
  • The Black History book giveaway took place on April 13, 2026.

The players

Devine Carama

The executive director of the One Lexington nonprofit, who organized the Black History book giveaway in honor of his late daughter Kamaria Spaulding.

Kamaria Spaulding

Devine Carama's late daughter, who was passionate about literacy and Black history education before passing away in a car crash six years ago.

Believing in Forever Inc.

The nonprofit organization that collected 800 books and gave away 200 at the Black History book giveaway event in Lexington.

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What they’re saying

“It's what my daughter wanted, kids of all races coming to get books so they can learn, so I feel like this is a way to broach some difficult conversations in a way that doesn't tear us apart but actually brings us together, so it actually warms my heart to see.”

— Devine Carama, Executive Director, One Lexington

The takeaway

Events like the Black History book giveaway organized by One Lexington can have a meaningful impact by honoring the legacy of community leaders, promoting literacy and education, and bringing people together around shared values of learning and understanding.