Bellen Woodard

Ideas Bellen Woodard October 11, 2024 10:24 AM EDT Since as far back as I could remember at school, likely starting in my first year of school, something strange would happen when my classmates and I were coloring. Kids would ask, “Can you pass me the skin-color crayon?” when they meant the “peach” color. Everybody did it. By the time I reached third grade, I was still hearing that language, and I was puzzled by it. I told my mom what I’d noticed and that I wanted to do something about it.

Bellen Woodard at the ballet barre. Courtesy Bellen Woodard Ideas October 11, 2024 10:24 AM EDT Since as far back as I could remember at school, likely starting in my first year of school, something strange would happen when my classmates and I were coloring. Kids would ask, “Can you pass me the skin-color crayon?” when they meant the “peach” color. Everybody did it. By the time I reached third grade, I was still hearing that language, and I was puzzled by it.

Monthly Featured Book More than Peach By Bellen Woodard When Bellen Woodard’s classmates referred to "the skin-color” crayon in a school and classroom she had always loved, she knew just how important it was that everyone understood that “skin can be any number of beautiful colors.” Bellen created the More Than Peach Project and crayons with every single child in mind to transform the crayon industry and grow the way we see our world.