Books N Bros

Thank you to the for this opportunity to be featured! Most importantly, thank you to the educators and loved ones who’ve supported me on this journey. https://www.american.edu/soe/news/how-sidney-keys-iii-is-reshaping-what-it-means-to-learn.cfm

Sidney,

Launching Books N Bros at just 10 years old to becoming a national voice for literacy and representation, you continue to reflect a deep commitment to leadership, service, and excellence. This is a powerful extension of the values you have embodied all along; and we are incredibly proud to witness this next chapter and all that it represents.

Even to the extent of how you sacrificed so much of your childhood to advocate for others needs truly speaks of your character. You are now blessed with an extended family and we know that they’re grateful to now call you a brother for life. ❤️

♦️Please join us in celebrating our founder, Sidney Keys III, on his induction into the Kappa Chi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

You can now recognize him as KOPYRIGHT ♦️😎

First feature of the year. 😎 Thank you American Magazine for this opportunity to tell my story. The next chapter will be one for the books. 💪🏾 https://www.american.edu/magazine/audacious-eagle-page-turner.cfm

What better way to close out January than to wish our very own Sidney a happy 20th birthday!!! 🎁

I can’t believe 20 is here. While it feels unbelievable, you’ve used your lifetime so far incredibly well kid.

I’m proud of how you show up for others, how you’ve advocated for yourself and that you never box yourself in. Never lose knowing exactly who you are.

The 20s will be fun yet fearful; audacious some days and others full of angst. Just remember the only clock you’re on is yours. Everything will happen when and how it should for YOU.

You have so many people who are proud of who you’ve been with nothing else to prove. We love you and happy birthday kid.

Love,

Mom

2025 stretched me, shaped me, and reminded me why literacy, community, and culture matter so much.

Here’s what the year held:

• January — Literacy Lab Fellow serving as an English Coach
• February — Dinner with Conscious Lee & meaningful time with friends
• March — Networking for BRIDGE with Chair of Community Outreach to develop urban farming & food insecurity curriculum
• March — Panelist for BRIDGE alongside notable American University alumni (Pen to Policy)
• March — Book signing for Storytime at AU celebrating President John Alger’s imagination
• April — Visited the James Baldwin Art Exhibit
• April — Implemented urban farming, food science, and food insecurity curriculum for 6th–8th graders through BRIDGE, alongside Impact Scholars Aliya Wise & A’Milah Weddington
• April — Attended the Bond Academy Conference for Black Male Educators & Administrators
• June — Hosted a book talk & signing at the 100th Schomburg Centennial Festival in Harlem, NY
• July — Awarded the Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship and flown to San Diego for professional development, networking, and rest
• July — Beach trip to Atlantic City with friends
• September — Elected Vice Chair of the Board for American University’s Brother Brother chapter
• October — Coordinated community service with Friends of Friendship Heights for their Annual Halloween Festival
• November — Dinner with my cohort led by Former Federal Judge Gerald Bruce Lee following a visit to the National Holocaust Museum
• December — NCNW Gala with family
• December — Cabin trip with friends to close the year grounded and grateful

Books N Bros has been my foundation and continues to be proof that young people can lead, build, and give back.

Onward to 2026.
The story is still being written.

Happy holidays from our family to you! 🤎

We’ve been a bit quiet because honestly? We’ve been focused on family, community offline and rebuilding our toolkit. 🗝️

Books N Bros is forever cemented in our hearts and the foundation has always been to be present for one another to show up whole for the work.

We are taking it easy this holiday season, and we hope you are too! 🍽️

It’s back to school szn and today wraps up Sidney’s second week as a sophomore at 🍎

While he’s busy sharpening his skills, here’s a few updates! Thank you always for your unwavering support! 📕