The upcoming centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre on May 31, 2021 – June 1, 2021 offers us the opportunity to hear from Black creators telling the story of what happened in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1921 through books, television, film, radio and other planned public programs. Three Black creatives in Oklahoma [ Read the full article… ]
Author: Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
Generations Book Club: Celebrations
For December, the Generations Book Club is all about Celebrations. Please support our Generations partner, Brain Lair Books with your purchases; link included on the titles below. Even in the midst of incredible challenges, there is always space for Black joy. Kleaver Cruz, creator of The Black Joy Project, reminds us that joy is a [ Read the full article… ]
On Becoming Muhammad Ali: A Conversation with Kwame Alexander
Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, publisher, and New York Times best-selling author of thirty-five books, including his Newbery Medal–winning novel, The Crossover. Some of his other works include Booked, which was long-listed for the National Book Award, The Playbook, and The Undefeated, which was longlisted for the National Book Award and won the Caldecott [ Read the full article… ]
Torrey Maldonado on: The Talk
In The Talk, out today, thirty diverse, award-winning authors and illustrators engage young people in frank discussions about racism, identity and self-esteem. Featuring stories and images filled with love, acceptance, truth, peace, and an assurance that there can be hope for a better tomorrow, The Talk is an inspiring anthology and must-have resource published in [ Read the full article… ]
Generations Book Club: Voice and Vision
“It was my mother who gave me my voice. She did this, I know now, by clearing a space where my words could fall, grow, then find their way to others.” ― Paula Giddings “The world is before you and you need not to take it or leave it as it was when you [ Read the full article… ]
KidLit Rally 4 Black Lives: Anti-Racist Resources for Children, Families, and Educators
“We who believe in freedom cannot rest.” -Ella Baker Thank you so much to all who joined us for the KidLit Rally 4 Black Lives, created and coordinated by Kwame Alexander, Jacqueline Woodson, and Jason Reynolds. Please share your reflections on social media with the hashtag #KidLit4BlackLives. The Rally recording is currently available on our [ Read the full article… ]
28 Days Later Call for Nominations
Kwame Alexander. Renée Watson. Derrick Barnes. Just a few of the outstanding Black children’s book creators we showcased here before they received well-deserved, industry-wide acclaim. Put your thinking caps on. Help us identify under-the-radar and vanguard Black children’s book creators we should consider profiling. Let us know who we should check out so we [ Read the full article… ]
Voices of Change: A Parent Speaks
Blackness by Brenda Payne Whiteman I love my blackness Good to know who I am Hailing from my parents’ and ancestors’ Collective womb Nurturing, strong and proud I face a cold world When pain is inflicted With words that cut into my heart Sharp as a knife By looks that burn a hole in my [ Read the full article… ]