The Second Annual Eloise Greenfield Children's Poetry Advocate of the Year Prize.

 The Annual Eloise Greenfield Children's Poetry Advocate of the Year Prize was awarded to Untia D. Bigelow. Poet and author Eloise Greenfield was a pioneer writer of books for African American children.Her Honey I Love is a classic read by generations.

The Children’s Book Council and HarperCollins Children’s Books are proud to announce that Untia D. Bigelow, a public librarian, is the winner of the second annual Eloise Greenfield Children's Poetry Advocate of the Year Prize.

Untia, the volunteer coordinator at Wicomico County Free Library in Salisbury, Maryland, was chosen by Eloise’s children, Monica and Steve, for her work as an advocate for the reading of children's poetry books by Black poets.

Untia said, “Poetry is the heart in the form of words that sometimes take on rhyme and rhythm, and which has the impact to change lives through expressed expression of life!” 

Monica and Steve Greenfield added, “Our mother was an activist and would be inspired by the work of today’s black writers. Attempts by others to erase black history and culture are nothing new. Our work must continue.”

The Children’s Book Council and HarperCollins will donate a selection of 100 children's poetry books and other children’s titles to an organization of Untia’s choice.

https://www.cbcbooks.org/readers/reader-resources/eloise-greenfield-childrens-poetry-advocate-prize/

The Schomburg Center's 12th Annual Black Comic Book Festival

The Schomburg Center's 12th Annual Black Comic Book Festival at 515 Malcolm X Blvd New York, NY 10030 will hold their  Annual Black Comic Book Festival. The festival celebrates the rich tradition of Black comics featuring panel discussions, favorite authors, a cosplay show, and more on April 27 - 28 from 10 am - 7 pm! 

The 2024 Schomburg Center Black Comic Book Festival marks 12 years of bringing together animators, Blerds, bloggers, cosplay lovers, fans, families, illustrators, independent publishers, and writers to celebrate Black comic books and graphic novels and provides a platform to get the works directly to readers. This annual event features panel discussions, workshops, cosplay showcases, and highlights the work of creators from across the diaspora! 

A Very Black Cosplay Showcase returns to the Schomburg Center! Come show out on the Schomburg stage. Participation is open to attendees of all ages and skill levels. Wanna join the show? Sign up at the Schomburg Center on Saturday, April 27 between 1 PM - 5 PM (slots are limited).

For a complete schedule and registration information visit https://www.schomcom.org.

Celebrate Black Children's Book Week

 

The African American Children's Book Fair

National Day of Racial Healing January 16, 2024

Every year the W. K. Kellogg Foundation on January 16 celebrates a Day of Racial Healing by sponsoring events on healing racism. They provide a platform where indivuals and organizations can address issues of racial inequality.  "As we enter into 2024, we’re resolving to be open and honest with ourselves and those around us about our experiences and the impact of racism. #HowWeHeal begins with us, and #RacialHealing can only begin if we commit ourselves to it."

 https://dayofracialhealing.org/take-action/

Martin Luther King Jr Day: Daring to Dream

 "Everybody can be great ... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."

‘Shifting the Cultural Climate through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence’ is the theme for the 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Day. To honor King’s memory, since 1994 this federal holiday has also been celebrated as a day of service. How would our world look like if everyone did his part to build a better world. The website for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service encourages people to think of the holiday as “a day on, not a day off” by volunteering for local causes. MLK inspired millions of people in his lifetime and continues to inspire us to this day. Across the globe, activists look to King for inspiration and courage. Modern movements for racial equality and justice, such as the Black Lives Matter movement, are extensions of the work that he started.  Join with people around the country to make a difference especially this year with so many families in our country and around the world affected by Covid and war.  Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service for ideas and opportunities to volunteer.  Days of Service help to raise awareness, mobilize volunteers, and provide individuals with an opportunity to engage and build new connections, and help nonprofits find support for their programs. MLK Day of Service is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”

https://americorps.gov/serve/volunteer/mlk-day

https://thekingcenter.org/king-holiday-2024/

John Legend - Happy Xmas (War Is Over) (Official Animated Video)

From John Legends Christmas Album, A Legendary  Christmaas

Have a Joyful and Peaceful Christmas!