• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Living
  • Good News

7-year-old raises thousands to get multicultural crayons and books into classrooms

0:52
Little girl raises thousands of dollars to help support diversity in California schools
Vashti Wilson
ByNicole Pelletiere
July 01, 2020, 5:35 PM

A 7-year-old girl is determined to get multicultural crayons and books featuring diverse characters into California classrooms.

So far, Madison Wilson has raised nearly $7,000, which is enough to donate material to three different schools. The third grader got the idea after a conversation with her mother about the lack of diversity seen in movies and literature.

"She said, 'Mommy why don't they show brown people in movies and books? Do they not like brown people?' She said they mostly show 'peach people,'" mom Vashti Wilson of Solvang, California, told "Good Morning America."

"I said, 'That's why people like you need to take steps and write books.'"

Wilson helped her daughter launch a crowdfunding page titled, "Help Fill Madi's Treasure Box."

Madison Wilson, 7, is seen in a photo taken in 2016. Madison is raising money to get multicultural crayons and books into California classrooms.
Lil’ Toes Photography

Editor’s Picks

Girl builds 'birthday boxes' for classmates who can't afford to have parties

  • Apr 15, 2019

Why Merriam-Webster is redefining racism

  • Jun 11, 2020

'Colors of the World': Crayola launches crayons in skin tone-inspired colors

  • May 21, 2020

Related Articles

MORE: 2-year-old's politeness is the kindness we all need

Madison raised even more money after giving a speech at her community's Juneteeth celebration where she sold snacks at a social distancing, drive-in movie event.

For every $2,500 she raises, Madison will donate 15 books and 25 boxes of crayons per class.

PHOTO: Madison Wilson of Solvang, California, has raised nearly $7,000, which is enough to donate multicultural crayons and books to three different schools.
Madison Wilson of Solvang, California, has raised nearly $7,000, which is enough to donate multicultural crayons and books to three different schools. The third grader got the idea after a conversation with her mother, Vashti Wilson, about the lack of diversity seen in movies and literature.
Vashti Wilson
Madison Wilson, 7, is raising money to get multicultural crayons and books into California classrooms.
Vashti Wilson

"She's one of three black children in her entire school," Wilson said. "She said crayons are either too dark or too light for her and so she wanted all the kids to be able to find something that would match them."

In May, handicraft company Crayola announced its "Colors of the World" line featuring 24 new crayon colors representing 40 global skin tones. Wilson said these are the crayons Madison will purchase for students.

Related Articles

MORE: Pediatrician now a mom after adopting 10-year-old patient and his younger sister

The city of Solvang has a high population of white residents, though, there are also Black, Native American and people of Asian decent. Wilson said Madison wants all kids to have access to books featuring minorities who are underrepresented in classroom libraries.

Madison Wilson, a 7-year-old third grader from Solvang, California, has raised nearly $7,000, which is enough to donate multicultural crayons and books to three different California schools.
Vashti Wilson

"If you look at the movies, the books, the protagonist is usually a white woman or white male and [if there's a black character] it's usually a supporting character," Wilson said. "When you're a kid and see this, it's almost like a small paper cut. Paper cuts hurt and those little hurts build up over time."

PHOTO: Madison Wilson, 7, of Solvang, California, has raised nearly $7,000 for multicultural crayons and books. The third grader got the idea after a conversation with her mother about the lack of diversity seen in movies and literature.
Madison Wilson, 7, of Solvang, California, has raised nearly $7,000, which is enough to donate multicultural crayons and books to three different schools. The third grader got the idea after a conversation with her mother about the lack of diversity seen in movies and literature.
Vashti Wilson

When Madison isn't dedicating time to her cause, she enjoys learning about dinosaurs and is CEO of her own company, Dino Explorerz.

Ryan Toussaint, the mayor of Solvang, donated $1,000 towards Madison's fundraiser, Wilson said.

Related Topics

  • Good News

Editor’s Picks

Girl builds 'birthday boxes' for classmates who can't afford to have parties

  • Apr 15, 2019

Why Merriam-Webster is redefining racism

  • Jun 11, 2020

'Colors of the World': Crayola launches crayons in skin tone-inspired colors

  • May 21, 2020

Up Next in Living—

Schools, authorities sound alarm over 'Chromebook Challenge' TikTok trend

May 14, 2025

Shein and Temu products impacted by tariffs: What to know

May 14, 2025

Students have sweetest reaction to seeing pregnant teacher's baby move

May 13, 2025

May's full flower moon is arriving: What it means for your zodiac sign

May 12, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News