Rooted In Color

Empowering a generation of diverse leaders to work toward environmental justice

Rooted in Color

Our Mission

At Rooted In Color, our mission is to foster a deep connection between children, their families, and the natural world through language and literacy. We use diverse picture books as a gateway to begin our exploration and connect the content to immersive nature-based experiences. Our curated books, engaging lessons, and immersive experiences enhance language skills, cultivates a love for reading and writing, creates and bond and connection with others and the environment, and instill a lifelong appreciation for the environment. Through innovative programs, engaging activities, and community partnerships, we empower young learners to become compassionate and articulate communicators who are inspired to protect and preserve our planet while enhancing their academic skills.

A Little About The Founder

Dr. Ranita Anderson Dawkins is a dedicated and accomplished professional in the field of speech and hearing sciences, with a PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research, particularly on decision-making practices and parental activation within the IEP process, reflects her commitment to understanding racial differences in educational settings.

She also holds a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from The Ohio State University and dual bachelor’s degrees in Communication Sciences and Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. Her work spans clinical, academic, and research settings, making significant contributions to the study of early neurodevelopmental disorders and autism.

Currently serving as a Data and Evaluation Specialist at Book Harvest in Durham, NC, Dr. Anderson is also an adjunct faculty member at Widener University and previously held a post-doctoral position at UNC Chapel Hill. With extensive experience as a speech-language pathologist, she has worked with diverse populations in both hospital and educational environments.

Dr. Anderson’s passion for environmental education is evident in her certification progress and leadership within beekeeping and outdoor educational programs, as well as her continued involvement in community-based initiatives such as the Color of Autism Foundation and Outdoor Afro.