Holiday Books for African American Children

This holiday season, we might still feel locked down by Covid but that doesn't mean we can't have good family time reading and sharing some wonderful holiday stories.  Fortunately, there is a wide variety of books featuring Black stories and characters. Here are a few books to add to the home library.

Carla and the Christmas Cornbread - by Carla Hall and illustrated by Cherise Harris. 

Carla Hall, my favorite TV chefs inspires young children with a story from her childhood. In this heartwarming tale from her childhood, superstar chef and TV host Carla Hall shares the story of young Carla, who eats a sugar cookie meant for Santa on the night before Christmas and then tries to make things right.  Christmas is Carla’s favorite holiday of the year. She goes to her grandparents’ house and eats grandma’s special recipe—a perfectly delicious cornbread. She listens to her grandpa Doc’s marvelous stories about traveling the world. And, best of all, she spends lots of time with her family. But how will Santa know to stop at their house if they don’t leave him a midnight snack? With her grandmother’s help, Carla comes up with a plan, but will it be enough to save Christmas?

Charlotte and the Nutcracker: The True Story of a Girl Who Made Ballet History by Charlotte Nebres (Author) and Alea Marley (Illustrator).
A reimagined and modern take on the holiday favorite, this picture book weaves together the classic Christmas tale of The Nutcracker and the true-life story of 12-year-old ballerina Charlotte Nebres, the first Black girl to play Marie in the New York City Ballet’s production. The only thing Charlotte loves as much as ballet is Christmas. So, when she gets the opportunity to play Marie in the New York City Ballet's The Nutcracker, she leaps at the chance. Then the hard work begins, dancing takes practice. There are hours of her learning to adjust her arms, perfect her jumps and perform in front of an audience. Her joy and fear all become magnified. Will she be able to accomplish her goals and perform at Lincoln Center? The 12-year-old Nebres says she remembers being inspired by Misty Copeland becoming the first African-American female principal at American Ballet Theater. With the support of her family, Charlotte provides youngsters with an inspiring story about family, dance, and holiday cheer.

The Nutcracker in Harlem by T. E. McMorrow  (Author) and James Ransome  (Illustrator

This jazz-inspired reinvention of The Nutcracker is a worthy tribute to the dreamlike wonder and magic of the Christmas season. In this original retelling, set in New York City during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, one little girl finds her voice as a musician thanks to her enchanting adventures with a magical toy. An author’s note at the end provides additional information about the history of the Harlem Renaissance, and about the author’s inspiration for this musical retelling.

The Night Before Christmas: An African American Retelling by Noland Nixon (Author), Angela Y. Nixon 

Written by teen Noland Nixon, this book is sure to spread joy and cheer to your family story times. The Night Before Christmas is an African-American retelling of Clement Moore's classic holiday poem, complimented by illustrations of an African-American family.

Santa in the City by Tiffany D. Jackson  (Author), Reggie Brown (Illustrator)

It's two weeks before Christmas, and Deja is worried that Santa might not be able to visit her--after all, as a city kid, she doesn't have a chimney for him to come down and none of the parking spots on her block could fit a sleigh, let alone eight reindeer! But with a little help from her family, community, and Santa himself, Deja discovers that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in her city.

Silent Night (The Christmas Choir) by Lara Hawthorne (Author)
Celebrate the magic of Christmas with this beautifully illustrated book, based on the world's best-loved carol. Rediscover the Nativity Story in all its glory—from quaking shepherds to heaven-sent angels—as the song lyrics are brought to life on every spread.

The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen  (Author), Jerry Pinkney  (Illustrator)

The luminous art of three-time Caldecott Honor recipient Jerry Pinkney transforms the nineteenth-century Danish girl of Andersen's tale into a child plucked straight from America's melting pot, shedding new light on the invisibility of the poor among the prosperous-a circumstance as familiar in Andersen's day as it is in our own.

Grace at Christmas by Mary Hoffman  (Author), Cornelius VanWright (Illustrator)

Grace loves Christmas - acting out the nativity story, opening presents, celebrating with Ma, Nana and Paw-Paw. But this Christmas Nana announces they will have visitors from Trinidad. Grace is horrified! She does NOT want to share the day with another little girl she doesn't even know. But after some wise words from Nana, Grace's generous spirit shines through. And in the end, as they all share a special surprise, Grace thinks it could be the best Christmas ever! 

Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem by Maya Angelou  (Author), Steve Johnson (Illustrator), Lou Fancher (Illustrator)

In this beautiful, deeply moving poem, Maya Angelou inspires us to embrace the peace and promise of Christmas, so that hope and love can once again light up our holidays and the world. “Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers, look heavenward,” she writes, “and speak the word aloud. Peace.”

The Real Santa by Nancy Redd  (Author), Charnelle Pinkney Barlow (Illustrator)

Join one Black family on their journey to discover what the real Santa looks like in this joyous tale celebrating identity, family and holiday cheer, from the New York Times bestselling author of Bedtime Bonnet.

I Got the Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison  (Author), Frank Morrison (Illustrator)

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and a mother and daughter are enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season. The little girl hears sleigh bells ringing and carolers singing. She smells chestnuts roasting--CRUNCH! CRUNCH! CRUNCH!--and sees the flashing lights of the department store windows--BLING! BLING! BLING! She spreads the spirit of giving wherever she goes. And when she reaches Santa, she tells him her Christmas wish--for peace and love everywhere, all the days of the year.

Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Kwanzaa by Carolyn Otto  (Author)

Celebrate Kwanzaa continues the spectacular Holidays Around the World series by focusing on this African-American holiday, which falls during the festive, gift-giving season and is celebrated by families, communities, and schools throughout America. With succinct, lively text and beautiful photographs, the book celebrates African-American culture and helps us to understand and appreciate this special holiday.

My First Kwanzaa: The Pan-Afrikan Holiday by Britney House 

During the seven days of Kwanzaa, we celebrate the importance of family, friends, and community. This warm and lively introduction to a very special holiday will help even the youngest children join in!

My Family Celebrates Kwanzaa by Lisa Bullard (Author), Constanza Basaluzzo (Illustrator)

Kwanzaa traces its origins to the American Civil Rights era. Critical thinking questions and fast facts prompt young readers to engage with this special narrative and learn all about Kwanzaa.

Soulful Holidays: An inclusive rhyming story celebrating the joys of Christmas and Kwanzaa by Ciara L Hill (Author), Christian Krabbe (Illustrator)

Cozy up together with this charmingly illustrated family book told in easy-to-read memorable rhymes. Through this heartwarming tale, children and families all over the world can experience the magic of Christmas and the true essence of Kwanzaa. Read about the food, songs, cultural decorations, and more! The catchy couplets in this dazzling picture book will delight readers with the inclusive traditions of families who honor one or both of these incredible holidays.

My First Kwanzaa  by Karen Katz  (Author, Illustrator)

A simple way for the very young to get acquainted with Kwanzaa. During the seven days of Kwanzaa, we celebrate the importance of family, friends, and community. This warm and lively introduction to a very special holiday will help even the youngest children join in!    

Ada Twist, Scientist Brought Black Girl Magic to Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Black Girl Magic graced the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade when Ada Twist, Scientist made her historic debut at last Thursday's parade.  Ada Twist, Scientist was introduced in 2016 as a book series written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts.  The stories have expanded to a series on Netflix  created by  Chris Nee of Doc McStuffins, and produced by Higher Ground Productions, owned by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.  In the series, this inquisitive little girl, Ada, trades in her play clothes for a lab coat as she conducts scientific experiments with her two best friends as they explore how the world around them works. On Thanksgiving, she set off on her first parade adventure along with Grogu (Baby Yoda) and Paw Patrol. With a pen tucked under her ear, and wearing her signature lab coat, Ada shows us the magic of science all around us. Hurrah for Black Girl Magic! Now girls all over can see themselves represented as scientists.

Films for Black Children Revisited

 Just a few years ago, there were only a hand full of children's films with a Black protagonist but with the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement doors are opening to more opportunities. I was always frustrated that it was easier to find a purple, green or orange character in children's films and literature than a Black child. Today new projects are being developed to fill that gap. All children need to see themselves reflected in the books they read and in the movies they see. They need to identify with the characters and heroes, and know that their stories are important. Hopefully, these new projects will amplify the dignity and diversity of African American culture. Here is a few samplings of new animation and live action projects that are expected in the future.

Kerry Washington will be executive producing an original movie based on the book by Janae Marks, 'From The Desk Of Zoe Washington.' The Scandal star is working with Disney Branded Television to develop an original movie based on Janae Marks’ critically acclaimed book of the same name. Like the award-winning novel, the film will center on middle-schooler and aspiring pastry chef Zoe, a young girl who makes a connection with her incarcerated father. After he proclaims his innocence, Zoe “begins to learn about systemic racism” and works to “set her biological father free.” “Marks’ book does a beautiful job of delicately weaving together the challenges and triumphs of life and the enormity of social injustice and systemic racism through the lens of an almost-seventh grader,” said Ayo Davis, executive vice president, Creative Development and Strategy, Disney Branded Television. “This is a perfect example of the type of premium storytelling that will not only entertain but will touch our audience on many levels as they see these topical issues reflected on the screen.”

Netflix has commissioned Karma's World, a new animated musical series from rapper Chris “Ludacris" Bridges. Aimed at children ages 6-9, the series is about a young Black girl finding her voice and using it to change the world. Originally inspired by Bridges' oldest daughter, Karma, it is based on the interactive educational website of the same name created by Karma’s World Entertainment in 2009.  Karma’s World follows 10-year-old Karma Grant, an aspiring musical artist and rapper with big talent and an even bigger heart. Smart, resilient, and deeply empathetic, Karma pours her soul into songwriting, channeling her feelings into whip-smart rhymes with passion, courage and her signature brand of humor. In this series, Karma is only beginning to grasp the incredible emotional power that words and music can have. She doesn’t just want to share her music with the world...she wants to change the world with it. The series will feature original songs "which tackle issues such as self-esteem, body positivity, discrimination, creativity, expressing emotions, friendship, family, leadership, celebrating differences and more." Ludacris is the creator, and executive produces the project. 

Netflix Family has released the trailer for their new animated preschool television series Ada Twist, Scientist. Based on the children’s book Ada Twist, Scientist written by Andrea Beaty and illustrator David Roberts. This new series getting the all-star treatment is created by  Chris Nee of Doc McStuffins, and produced by Higher Ground Productions, owned by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. The series was recently renewed for a second season!

New Disney Junior series, Eureka, is set to debut later this year.  Starring Ruth Righi, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Lil Rel Howery and Javier Muñoz, Eureka! tells the story of a young girl inventor who is way ahead of her time. Utilizing creative out-of-the-box thinking, she designs inventions and contraptions in the hopes of making the world a better place and moving her prehistoric community into a more modern era. With the help of her supportive parents, teacher, best friends—Pepper and Barry—and beloved pet mammoth Murphy, Eureka is learning to embrace that she is not ordinary … she’s extraordinary.

The Ironheart series at Disney Plus has tapped Chinaka Hodge to serve as head writer. She is a screenwriter, poet, playwright, and educator. Her past television writing credits include the Apple reboot of “Amazing Stories,” as well as the TNT series adaptation of “Snowpiercer” starring Daveed Diggs. She is also a founding member of the hip hop collective The Getback along with Daveed Diggs and others.

Ironheart will star Dominique Thorne as Marvel character Riri Williams, a genius inventor and the creator of the most advanced suit of armor since Iron Man.  Riri Williams was first introduced in the Marvel comics in 2016, the creation of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mike Deodato. In the comics, she is a 15-year-old MIT student who reverse engineers Iron Man’s armor in order to create armor of her own. Iron Man, a.k.a. Tony Stark, eventually took notice and gave her his encouragement to pursue the life of a superhero.

Netflix is turning Sulwe, the bestselling children’s book by Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, into an animated musical, the latest move by the streamer to bolster its feature animation slate.  Sulwe, written by Nyong’o with illustrations by Vashti Harrison, follows Sulwe, a child who has skin darker than anyone she knows.  “Sulwe was born the color of midnight,” the book begins and all she wants is to be beautiful and bright. One night, she is visited by a shooting star sent by the Night and embarks on a magical journey where she learns the eye-opening story of the sisters Night and Day. The book tells a story about colorism, self-esteem and learning that true beauty comes from within.

Kalia Love Jones inspired by a speech from former first lady Michelle Obama, created and directed a short film, The Power of Hope which was nominated for a NAACP Image Award. Now at fourteen years old, she is inspiring young people to follow their dreams. Jones’ animated film is about an ambitious young woman who was at the verge of giving up on her dreams because her mother was ill, however, the words of Michelle Obama was her motivation to keep going for gold.  She won the Youth Visionary Award at the Pan African Film Festival and the Outstanding Achievement Award for Best Female Young Filmmaker at the Indie Short Fest. 

 Jones funded the majority of the production by herself. She worked odd jobs, recycled for family and friends, and saved her earnings to produce her film. “I started with the idea, writing the story and creating the characters,” Jones said, adding that she used some of her favorite women leaders as inspiration for the story. “There’s a lot, but I think some of my favorites would be women who work in the film industry, like Rebecca Sugar, Ava DuVernay or Oprah, because I want to be one of those women (someday).”

The greatest lesson Jones wants to share with the world is that we are all capable of achieving greatness once we believe in ourselves. She wants to impact the world positively and hopes the film inspires young people to face all adversities headstrong as they pursue their dreams.

See the film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrRL6yFdSpg

Lady Buckit and the Motley Mopsters  marks a major milestone in Nollywood by becoming the first animated feature film in Nigeria.  The plot follows the story of a precocious, adventurous little girl called Bukky who enjoys solving math and logic problems with her father but finds herself in a wildly unfamiliar territory. There she encounters a band of highly unusual characters who change the course of her life. Using a distinct and striking style of animation, little Bucky stands out as a lovable and attractive character. This children fantasy film is conceived by Blessing Amidu and directed by Adebisi Adetayo. Celebrated as Nigeria's first feature animation, Netflix is now negotiating to distribute it in the states.

http://motleymopstersmovie.com/

Super Sema follows the adventures of an extraordinary young girl Sema and her twin brother MB on their mission to protect their African town of Dunia from the villainous Tobor. Sema knows that with determination, creativity, and a helping hand from the amazing world of science and technology, anything is possible!  From their Secret Lab, they code world-changing apps, create energy from waste, engineer solutions for their community, develop virtual worlds, and might even launch a space rocket, but be home in time to print 3D pizzas!

Sema is a 10-year-old African girl with an extraordinary ability to change the world! She uses her imagination, technology and a heavy dose of determination to save the day and protect her community from the evil Tobor. On her adventures, you can catch Sema making fun inventions in her Secret Lab with her twin brother MB. Created by Kukua from South Africa. episodes of this series can be viewed on You Tube visit their website for more information https://www.supersema.com/characters/

According to Entertainment Weekly, Matthew A. Cherry's beloved 2019 Oscar-award-winning short film Hair Love is officially becoming a 2D animated series on HBO Max called Young Love! Based on the bestselling children's book of the same name, Hair Love beautifully illustrates the relationship between a little girl named Zuri and her dad, and was created by Cherry to normalize Black hair. The short resonated with people everywhere, especially fathers who found themselves in similar situations."

The new show “will focus on millennial parents Stephen and Angela, daughter Zuri, and pet Rocky as they juggle their careers, marriage, parenthood, social issues, and multigenerational dynamics all while striving to make a better life for themselves.”  Cherry, a former NFL player turned director and the author of Hair Love, is thrilled that HBO ordered 12 episodes of the show. A release date has not been set.

Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Pan-African entertainment company Kugali revealed their partnership on the Sci-Fi Series Iwaju at the Annecy Animation Festival. The new series is set in a futuristic version of Lagos, Nigeria,  During the presentation, the show’s creators revealed a sneak peek at their futuristic vision of Lagos, a sprawling mega-city that straddles a lagoon and is divided into a densely populated mainland and a more affluent island. “That physical separation…means that we have a very unique set-up for storytelling already built into the DNA of the real-life Lagos,” said Kugali co-founder and Iwájú cultural consultant Tolu Olowofoyeku. Writer-director and co-founder Ziki Nelson said the creative team was “building a futuristic world rooted in the contemporary setting.”

Though details of the storyline and its main characters are still under wraps, Nelson said the plot would focus on the inequality that is a “feature of everyday life in Nigeria,” as well as “challenging the status quo.” “It’s really about that inspiration, or aspiration and desire, to try and engineer society in a more positive way." Inspired by the continent’s diverse histories and cultures, the 10-part anthology is an action-packed collection of sci-fi and fantasy stories that will present bold visions of advanced technology, aliens, spirits and monsters imagined from uniquely African perspectives. Oscar-winning director Peter Ramsey (“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”) will serve as executive producer.

Disney+ has announced the upcoming anthology series, Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire. It is a collection of 10 original, animated films helmed by creators from Zimbabwe, Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Egypt. This animated anthology "brings together a new wave of animation stars to take you on a wildly entertaining ride into Africa’s future. Inspired by the continent’s diverse histories and cultures, these action-packed sci-fi and fantasy stories present bold visions of advanced technology, aliens, spirits and monsters imagined from uniquely African perspectives."  The films will premiere in late 2022 on Disney+. 

Marsai Martin of “Blackish” and her production company, Genius Entertainment have received the greenlight  from Disney Channel to produce the pilot, Saturdays, a comedy about a young girl and her competitive roller skating crew. Saturdays follows Paris, who has been honing her skills on the cool parquet floor of Saturdays, a local skating rink owned and operated by a former ’90s hip-hop back-up dancer. With its neon lights, galaxy-painted rink and killer D.J. spinning the latest music, Saturdays is the place to show and prove. Paris is the leader of a skate crew and is determined to take them all the way to the top. However, she has sickle cell disease, and when it flares up, it’ll take every ounce of determination to prove the doubters wrong, including her concerned family.  

The Wonder Years is an American coming-of-age comedy television series inspired by the 1988 series of the same name.  It is set in the late 1960s and takes a nostalgic look at the Williams family, Black middle-class residents of Montgomery, Alabama, through the point of view of imaginative 12-year-old Dean. Elisha  "EJ" Williams stars as Dean Williams, and Don Cheadle lends his voice as the narrator for the series as the adult counterpart of Dean. Dulé Hill stars as Bill Williams, Dean's father. The series premiered on ABC Television's 2021–22 season.

That Girl Lay Lay is a new comedy television series  created for Nickelodeon staring video artist Alaya High, who is otherwise known as Lay Lay. She plays an artificially intelligent phone avatar that comes to life in the form of a human teen girl.  Gabrielle Nevaeh Green stars as Sadie a young teen who is struggling to adjust to school and needing a best friend to talk to.  Sadie wishes that Lay Lay, an artificially intelligent avatar from a personal affirmation app, were real and could help teach her how to stand out. When her wish comes true and Lay Lay is magically brought to life, they navigate life as teenagers and discover who they truly are, all while trying to keep Lay Lay's identity hidden.

Harlem Grown

     Sunday Inspiration: Every Sunday, Meet the Visionaries who inspire our community.

Meet Tony Hillery

In this video, listen to the inspiring story of Tony Hillery, founder and director of Harlem Grown. He shares the story of Harlem Grown and his work in community building. As a school volunteer, Tony witnessed first-hand the lack of resources allocated to schools, the student’s poor nutrition, and how it effected their overall ability to do well in school.  Tony founded Harlem Grown to address the health and academic challenges facing public elementary school students in Harlem. In 2011, he rallied volunteers and raised the funds needed to transform an empty lot into a thriving urban garden, kicking off Harlem Grown’s first-ever growing season.  Since then he has expanded to operate local urban farms, increase access to and knowledge of healthy food for Harlem residents, and provide garden-based development programs to Harlem youth. Currently, Harlem Grown has 10 urban agriculture facilities ranging from soil-based farms, hydroponic greenhouses and school gardens. Most important by addressing the nutritional needs of the community he has proven that if a kid plants it, they will eat it. 

On September 25th, 2021 join them for their Fall Harvest Fair. "We will be celebrating the end of our growing season with our local community.  This is the perfect opportunity to share in the last of our produce, and learn about ways to stay healthy throughout the colder months with activities such as pickling and seed saving! You'll also get the chance to share some poetry and win some of our very own honey. Admission is free and everyone's invited! Some of the workshops include Cooking Workshops, Fall Crafts and Yoga on the Farm."   Harlem Grown"s Fall Harvest Fair will be held at 134th Street farm (118 W 134th St. New York, NY 10030) 

For more information and to support Harlem Grow, contact info@harlemgrown.org. or visit https://www.harlemgrown.org

Here are a few books to share with children:

Harlem Grown children discover the incredible true story of Harlem Grown, a lush garden in New York City that grew out of an abandoned lot and now feeds a neighborhood.  Book available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and local bookstores.

In thee Garden with Dr. Carver - Sally is a young girl living in rural Alabama in the early 1900s, a time when people were struggling to grow food in soil that had been depleted by years of cotton production. One day, Dr. George Washington Carver shows up to help the grown-ups with their farms and the children with their school garden. He teaches them how to restore the soil and respect the balance of nature. Book available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and local bookstores.

                                                                   

Everybody Eats  - When Carter volunteers at the food bank for the first time, hunger takes on a personal note when she runs into one of her friends from school. After reading a book on how she can help fight against hunger, Carter goes on a journey through her community to do what she can and teach others how they can help, too! Book will be available October 26, 2021 on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and local bookstores.

Marsai Martin is the New Voice in Paw Patrol: The New Movie

Marsai Martin will be the voice of Liberty, the new pup  in PAW Patrol: The Movie. Liberty is described as a furry GPS.  Paw Patrol has been watched by millions of young people worldwide on television. This is the first time the story has come to the theater. In this trailer, Liberty is a big asset to the team and helps save the day by leading the PAW Patrol out of a huge traffic jam.  Martin became a fan of the series while watching it with her younger sister, and enjoyed playing this inspirational character. Catch PAW Patrol: The Movie on Paramount+ and in theaters when it is released on Aug. 20! 

The Legacy of Ida B. Wells

Sunday Inspiration: Every Sunday, Meet the Visionaries who inspire our community.

Meet Ida B Wells

 It is unfortunate that so many young people do not know anything about Ida B Wells, her birthday is celebrated on July 16.  Activists like Mrs Wells laid the foundation for the civil rights movement including Black Lives Matter. Her courage and persistence has inspired generations of civil rights leaders. 

Born a slave in 1862, she was freed by the emancipation proclamation during the Civil War. She launched a campaign to publicize the horrors of lynching, and began writing and lecturing about it across the country. She wrote two pamphlets, entitled A Red Record: Lynchings in the United States and Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in All Its Phases, In those works, she catalogued hundreds of lynchings.

She was only 16, and attending Rust College, a historically Black college when her parents and younger brother died of yellow fever. She was forced to give up her dream of attending college in order to take care of her younger siblings. Family and friends had decided that her young sisters should be separated and put in foster care. She refused to accept that option. At 16 years old she became their caretaker. Fortunately, she was able to find work as a teacher to support herself and her five siblings.  

While teaching elementary school, she became increasingly active as a journalist and writer. She was offered an editorial position for the Evening Star in Washington, D.C., and also began writing weekly articles for The Living Way newspaper under the pen name "Iola". Under her pen name, she wrote articles attacking racist Jim Crow policies. In 1889, she became editor and co-owner of The Free Speech and Headlight, a Black-owned newspaper. She used her newspaper to publicize the lynching of Black men until a white mob destroyed and burnt her office, printing press, and newspaper; and then threatened her life.

Although she was not able to return to the south, this incident did not stop her.  On October 26, 1892, she continued to publish her research on lynching in a pamphlet titled Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in All Its' Phases. After researching and examining many accounts of lynchings blamed on the alleged "rape of White women", she concluded that Southerners cried rape as an excuse to hide their real reasons for lynchings; Black economic progress.  White Southerners were threatened by the competition from Blacks, and wanted to enforce ideas of Black second-class status in society. At the turn of the century, she watched Southern states, starting with Mississippi in 1890, pass laws and new constitutions to disenfranchise most Black people through the use of poll taxes, literacy tests and other devices. Just like today Black economic progress was a burning issue in the South, and in many states Whites worked to suppress Black progress. Wells responded by leading a crusade across the country and in Europe denouncing lynching. She was cofounder of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs and the NAACP, her voice was heard throughout the country. She became the most prominent  Black woman of her time.

Ida B Wells was also a feminist who refused to accept the traditional role prescribed to women. She was very fortunate to meet Ferdinand L. Barnett,  a prominent attorney, civil rights activist, and journalist from Chicago who shared her views. He spoke widely against lynchings and for the civil rights of African Americans. She had what historians described as an unconventional marriage and arrangement. Her husband supported her work and assisted her. He provided her with a housekeeper so that she could devote herself to her work. He did a lot of the cooking and when she was away on speaking tours he had a nurse maid take care of the children. He also worked with her on many of her projects. Much of his work as an attorney was also involved with civil rights issues. Barnett founded The Chicago Conservator, the first Black newspaper in Chicago, in 1878. Wells began writing for the paper in 1893, later acquired a partial ownership interest, and after marrying Barnett, assumed the role of editor. After marriage she did not take his name but hyphenated their names together.  All of this was unusual for its time. Even with support, she still struggled with the multiple roles that women leaders have had to  play as wife, mother, and social and political activist. In her autobiography, she described the difficult challenge of splitting her time between family and work. She dealt with the same contemporary concerns and problems women face today. 

Wells, a devout Christian believed her work had spiritual purpose. Much of her anti-lynching writings were published by church newsletters, she also gathered there to do social work. It was in Bethel AME Church that she started a kindergarten for Black children. She and her husband founded the Negro Fellowship League (NFL), the first Black settlement house in Chicago when the YMCA refused to allow Blacks into their organizations.

She was often described as stubborn, uncompromising, feisty and difficult. She did not mind butting heads with her fellow activist about issues that were important to her. Her most important work was her investigative reporting on lynching. She was threatened many times by supremacists and government officials but she refused to let that stop her. She was fueled by her sense of righteousness and never cowed to threats on her life.

In Memphis, when the conductor of the railroad train she was riding forced her from her first class seat, she fought back, bit him, and then sued the company.

In Chicago, Ida Wells first protested the exclusion of African American people from the Chicago World's Fair, writing a pamphlet sponsored by Frederick Douglas. She stated that the Fair refused to acknowledge Black people and the tremendous accomplishments they had made since emancipation. She further asked Black people to boycott the event. She stood outside the fair handing out pamphlets.

In Washington when White suffragettes refused to allow Blacks suffragettes to march with them in the Women's Suffrage Parade, Wells ignored instructions to march with the segregated parade units and crossed the lines to march with the other members of her Illinois chapter.  She also founded the Alpha Suffrage Club of Chicago, the first African American women's suffrage organization.

While her passion, colorful personality and accomplishments stood out even among her male contemporaries like Frederick Douglas, Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois, her story has often been left out of the history books. She was a women ahead of her times.

In 2020, Ida B.Wells was posthumously honored with a Pulitzer Prize special citation for "her outstanding and courageous reporting on the horrific and vicious violence against African Americans during the era of lynching."

Ida B. Wells' life was full of passion and inspiration, here are a few books to introduce her story to young people

Ida B. Wells: Let the Truth Be Told by Walter Dean Myers

Who Was Ida B. Wells? – by Sarah Fabiny

Ida B. the Queen: The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of Ida B. Wells – by Michelle Duster

Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells: The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist by Philip Dray 

Space Jam: The New Legacy

Space Jam is back with a basketball story for a new generation. Space Jams: The New Legacy starring Lebron James released on HBO Max and movie theaters. If you know anything about the original Space Jam you probably remember it starred the legendary Michael Jordan along side Warner Bros Looney Tunes characters. This time around Lebron James stars with Bugs and pals. Similar situation but this time around the story makes more sense and is more relatable.

Flash back and a young Lebron picks up a Gameboy to play a Bugs Bunny video game but his coach scolds him, and tells him to concentrate on basketball. There might be some truth to this story as you know Lebron has been groomed as a star since high school. Flash forward and Lebron is giving his son similar advice. This is where the father and son story begins. Lebron youngest son played by  Cedric Joe has other interest mainly creating video games. But on a visit to the Warner Bros Studios father and son are forced to confront their differences by a formidable villain, AlG. Rhythm. This digital character  played by Don Cheadle is lurking in the WB servers.  His aim world domination. Some how he traps Lebron in his world where the basketball star must win a game of B ball to escape. Soon Mom played by Sonequa Martin-Green tries to come to the rescue and everyone is drawn into the chaos. Between WB character appearances and some looney tunes hijinks, a father and son storyline plays out. But unlike its' predecessor, Bugs and company take a back seat. To me that lead to more human emotion and a movie that had heart.

For kids and families who have been locked up for over a year, this will resonates. There is conflict in the family and everyone has to learn to relate and understand the other person, and just like the pandemic has caused family to come together in a special way while forcing them to separate in other ways. There's a big villain just like Covid that separates the father and son, and everyone must come together to cheer for their success.  In the end this will  affects everyone. This is a family event. Covid has made us all rethink our relationship. Adults will be tempted to compare this movie with its predecessor but young people may not be familiar with the characters. Today youngsters who spend their time on Tik Tok may not know who Wile E. Coyote is. This may also be their first introduction to Looney Tunes and other WB characters. Some parts may be scary for them but before it becomes ominous the Looney Tunes characters take it in a different direction and the laughs begins. This is a season when we need some laughter and positive direction. All in all a fun flick to see with the family, there’s a lot here Lebron, toons, some lessons learned, a bunch of WB characters and a great villain. LeBron has always done things his way and that was his message, be yourself, and family comes first but along the way have fun and get looney.

Kenge Matthews-Henry

Meet The Grandmother of Juneteenth

Sunday Inspiration: Every Sunday, Meet the Visionaries who are inspiring our community.

Meet Mrs. Opal Lee

While watching the signing ceremony making Juneteenth a federal holiday, some may think that the path to victory was easy. Yet we know that nothing has come easy for us in this country. Black achievement has never come without a struggle So young people not only need to hear the history of slavery and Juneteenth but how it became a federal holiday. This is the story of Opal Lee and others whose resolve and determination have made this federal holiday a reality. Opal Lee is considered to be "The Grandmother of Juneteenth." Through  her consistent effort And determination, we now have a new national holiday. 

Her story like many African-Americans is triumph over adversity. As a young child she celebrated Juneteenth with her family. However, in 1939 the day which should have been a day of joy and celebration for her family became a day of tragedy. Her family had just bought a new house  in Fort Worth, Texas but instead of enjoying this milestone, she was forced to watch as a mob of white supremacists vandalized and set fire to her family's home. Helplessly, she and her family watched their home burn to the ground as police stood by, doing nothing to stop the violence. The trauma of that day stayed with her throughout her life.   She has said that the trauma of this family experience inspired her desire to make this a holiday. She explained it this way"the fact that it happened on the 19th day of June has spurred me to make people understand that Juneteenth is not just a festival"

Her family lost everything that day but it did not stop them from rebuilding their home, She  went on to get her masters degree and worked as a teacher and counselor for many years. Following her retirement from teaching in 1976, she became an activist involved in Fort Worth community causes. She helped found the Tarrant County Black historical and genealogical Society. She organized the Fort Worth annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, Black History Month and Juneteenth celebration. During the 1980s, she started a tradition of bringing Fort Worth city leaders on an annual bus tour through economically depressed areas of Fort Worth, pointing out landmarks important to the cities' minority communities. 

For decades she campaigned to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. She promoted the idea by leading 2.5 mile walks each year in over ten cities, representing the 2.5 years it took for news of the emancipation proclamation to reach Texas. At the age of 89, she went to Washington DC to petition for making Juneteenth a federal holiday. She even promoted a petition to change.org. Finally this June 2021, at the age of 94, her dream was finally realized when Congress passed a bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday and President Biden signed it into law. She was an honored guest at the bill signing ceremony and sat in the front row receiving a standing ovation. Both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris praised and acknowledged her many years of activism. This year for the first time she was able to celebrate Juneteenth as a national holiday and make her 2.5 miles walk as a victory walk. 

She acknowledges that this is only a symbolic step towards solving the racial divide but now young people will learn the history of slavery and the story of Juneteenth.  Holidays can bring us together as a family and a community, open up discussions, and energize us to continue to fight for justice. Manifesting black joy it's also a very important part of our survival and resilience.

Viewing African American History Through Children's Eyes

 The Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal moment in American history. Children need to learn about  this history in order to understand what is going on today. There are two exhibits across the country that invite young people to explore Civl Rights and African American history. Check them out if you are near them.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art at 125 West Bay Road, Amherst, MA 0100  presents Picture the Dream: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement through Children's Books. This exhibition is the first of its kind to delve into the historic events, people, and themes of the civil rights movement as told through picture books. Visitors can see more than 80 artworks on view—ranging from paintings and prints to collages and drawings—by 41 artists. Picture the Dream evokes the power and relevance of an era that shaped American history and continues to reverberate today.  Exhibit is open until July 2.

“Great picture books prompt great conversations,” says Alexandra Kennedy, executive director at The Carle. “What better way for parents and teachers to introduce the difficult history of civil rights than through stories about the people who fought for equality? We believe the powerful illustrations in Picture the Dream will inspire visitors of all ages to ask hard questions and look anew at issues of equity and justice.”

Mentor Public Library’s Main Branch in Mentor Ohio is hosting a special exhibition this summer that highlights the art found within African-American children’s picture books. Telling A People’s Story: African-American Children’s Illustrated Literature includes 130 pieces of art from 33 artists from 95 books and spans 50 years of creativity. The featured artists include Caldecott medalists and honorees like John Steptoe, Leo and Diane Dillon, Javaka Steptoe, Jerry Pinkney and E.B. Lewis. Across 12 panels, the exhibit follows the history of a people from African origins to slavery and segregation through the Harlem Renaissance, Great Migration, Civil Rights Era and to modern times.

Telling A People’s Story uses paintings, pastels, drawings and mixed-media illustrations to celebrate the complex and diverse African-American experience through a lens intended for children and younger readers. The exhibition is free to enjoy from June 3 to Aug. 29 in the lobby of MPL’s Main Branch. All are invited to see it. Kids, ages 12 and younger, can win a small prize by reading the books highlighted in the exhibit. Their address is 8215 Mentor Ave, Mentor, Ohio 44060, their phone is 440-255-8811.

Here are a few of the books featured in the exhibition, Picture the Dream for parents interested in sharing the stories with their children  

Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney  

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly, illustrated by Laura Freeman  

A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation by Barry Wittenstein, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney  

If a Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks written and illustrated by Faith Ringgold  

My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King III, illustrated by A.G. Ford  

Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment by Parker and Jessica Curry, illustrated by Brittany Jackson  

Child of the Civil Rights Movement by Paula Young Shelton, illustrated by Raul Colón  

I Have a Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., illustrated by Kadir Nelson  

Happy Father's Day!

 The Dad Gang Honors Black Fatherhood With 2nd ‘March of Dads' in NYC

This Father's Day Weekend, The Dad Gang appeared across New York City with hundreds of strollers to recognize and support dads of color. Their non-profit Random Acts of Dadness, teamed up with Scotch Porter to give brand new strollers to dads all across the city.

"We want to change that fact people thought we were missing in action or uninterested in our children," said Sean Williams, founder of The Dad Gang. "What we want to accomplish here is to change that narrative but also empower dads to be the best dads they can be."

On Father's Day, a stroller brigade of Dads showed up at Brooklyn's Prospect Park for  the second annual, March of Dads.  Fat Joe, Bronx rapper and Grammy winner made a special appearance at the "Dope Dad" rally held before the march.  And their effort to change hearts and minds continues. This is the best way to celebrate Father's Day.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Juneteenth!

We must learn from our history. We must teach our children our history because it is part of our history as a nation. Today is a day of celebration. It is not only a day of pride. It is also  a day for us to affirm and rededicate ourselves to action.

Kamala Harris

In 2019 I wrote,  'We can only imagine the joy, jubilation and trepidation of our  ancestors on June 19, 1865  when Major General Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and informed everyone that slavery was abolished.  We know that it left enough of an impression that the day is still commemorated today. Juneteenth has become the independence day for African Americans.

One of the first things that the newly freed slaves did was to thank God and begin looking for family.  In that spirit Juneteenth has continued to be a day of thanksgiving, prayer service, bringing together family, connecting with the past and celebrating our accomplishments."

Now after a year of protest and strife, Juneteenth, the holiday marking the end of slavery has become a federal holiday. By unanimous consent, the Senate approved legislation designating June 19, or Juneteenth, as a federal holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the U.S.  Under the legislation, the federal holiday would be known as Juneteenth National Independence Day.   The bill then headed to the House of Representatives, where its passage was assured, then on to President Biden’s desk for signature into law. Although the holiday is symbolic, it is hoped that this will be a catalyst for addressing the systemic problems of racisms. Hopefully, children will learn the story of Juneteenth in their homes, and schools will provide a more accurate history of Black people in America.

Many thanks to Opal Lee who has lobbied for decades to make Juneteenth a national holiday. 

Google commissions artists to create doodles for special events like Juneteenth, learn more about Rachelle Baker on their site.

Today’s Doodle for Google, illustrated by Detroit-based guest artist Rachelle Baker, honors Juneteenth,  celebrating the liberation of Black enslaved people in the United States. On this day in 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas received news of the Emancipation Proclamation, an executive order that mandated the end of slavery in Confederate states during the American Civil War. 

The Doodle artwork for Juneteenth celebrates joy within the Black community, as well as the perseverance foundational to this journey toward liberation. With each letter, the Doodle transitions from historical Juneteenth parades to modern-day traditions such as education through storytelling, outdoor gatherings with family and friends, and commemorative festivals and parades. These scenes of celebration and community are brightened by bluebonnets—the state flower of Texas—and forget-me-nots that are layered upon backgrounds of decorative ironwork commonly found on buildings throughout the southern states. This ironwork highlights the often forgotten contributions made by enslaved Black Americans and symbolizes their strength and resilience. 

Baker further explains her inspiration, "I looked at tons of photos and art illustrating some of the first ever Juneteenth celebration, as well as celebrations, parades, and festivities from recent years. I also read about specific symbols, foods, colors, and activities that were and continue to be important in celebrating and commemorating this holiday."

While Juneteenth recognizes over a century and a half of progress, it also reminds Americans to continue to build a more equitable and unified nation. 

Happy Juneteenth!