Children Spotlight of the Week: Bellen Woodard – The 11-Year-Old Crayon Activist Changing the World
This week, we shine a light on Bellen Woodard, an extraordinary 11-year-old who is transforming how we see diversity through the simple yet powerful tool of crayons. Known as the world’s first Crayon Activist®, Bellen is the CEO and founder of More Than Peach®, a pioneering multicultural art brand that began when she was just eight years old.
It all started with a question that many kids ask in classrooms: “Can I have the skin-color crayon?” Usually, the request meant peach, but Bellen saw an opportunity to change how people perceive color. Her response—“Which one? Skin can be any number of beautiful colors”— sparked a movement that has grown into a national initiative to promote inclusivity and representation.
Bellen’s More Than Peach® Project was born out of her vision to ensure every child feels seen and valued. She created her own line of multicultural crayons that come in a variety of skin tones, providing children with the tools to represent themselves and others more accurately in their artwork.
What started as a classroom conversation has now evolved into a movement that encourages empathy, leadership, and creative expression.
Despite her young age, Bellen’s work has gained significant recognition. Her More Than Peach® crayons are now part of permanent exhibits at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and the Science History Institute.
In an incredible achievement, the Virginia General Assembly passed the “Bellen Bill” in her honor, celebrating her visionary leadership and academic excellence. This makes owning a set of her crayons not just a fun activity, but a piece of history.
Bellen’s story is captured in her picture book, More Than Peach, where she empowers kids to rethink how they use language and interact with others. She encourages young readers to take charge of their words, actions, and leadership potential.
Through her crayons and book, she’s inspiring children around the world to embrace diversity and make their own impact, no matter how small it may seem.
Her work is proof that age is no barrier to making meaningful change. Bellen’s advice to other young changemakers is simple but powerful: “Trust yourself, find your people, and believe in the power of your voice.”
As Bellen continues her mission to create a more colorful and inclusive world, her journey reminds us all that real leadership can begin at any age. Her creativity, courage, and passion for inclusivity have forever changed the way we look at something as simple as a crayon.
