In Loving Memory of Dr. Roni Dean Burren

As we remember and celebrate the life of Roni, we also embrace a cause close to her heart - education and empowerment of Black youth. Roni believed in the transformative power of reading and the importance of advocating for access to culturally affirming literature. In this spirit, we invite you to donate to HYPE Freedom School, Inc. (HYPE) in lieu of flowers and to leave words honoring Roni's legacy as an advocate for our youth.

About Roni and HYPE Freedom School, Inc.:

You'll likely hear many amazing things about Roni in the coming days. Roni once shared that she was proud to be known as the Black Book Lady. She shared that her pride in the name was because it came as a result of organizing an online giving program after Hurricane Harvey. Roni had asked people to fill an Amazon wish list full of books for Black children who had lost all of their books in the flood. Roni's community enthusiastically responded by donating more than the 1,000 book goal she had set. Roni had so many books that she couldn’t give them all away in one day so she began carrying them around in her car and purse everywhere she went. People called Roni the Black Book Lady because all the books she gave away were by black authors and illustrators.

Roni was not just a literacy advocate, she was also a supporter and integral part of the HYPE Freedom School community. Roni was a HYPE intern, parent, donor, and most recently a family advocate who helped us identify gifted and talented scholars in our community.

For those new to HYPE Freedom School, we are a culturally-affirming organization that provides enriching summer and other out-of-school programs that foster a love for learning, a sense of social responsibility, and exposure to diverse cultural experiences.

When you make your donation you will have the option to give to the Dr. Roni Dean Burren Fund that will go to support HYPE's programming and/or a special fund for Dr. Roni's two college-age children. You will also have an opportunity to share your memories, stories, or messages of the impact of Roni's advocacy. Your words will offer comfort to Roni's family and students and serve as a reminder of the impact she had on so many lives.

Your contribution is more than a donation; it's a testament to Roni's enduring impact and commitment to a brighter future for our children. Every donation, large or small, makes a significant difference.

Join Our Community:

By donating, you will be added to the HYPE Freedom School mailing list, updating you about how your contributions are making a difference and other ways to stay involved. We respect your privacy, and you can unsubscribe from these updates at any time.

Contact Us:

For any questions or further information, please contact us at info@hypefs.org.

Thank you for honoring Roni in such a meaningful way.

Dr. Roni Dean Burren Tribute Fund

Honoring a Legacy through Education and Empowerment