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A changemaker is someone who takes creative actions to solve or bring attention to a problem. Change makers could be inventors, artists, politicians, authors, musicians, teachers, adults, or children! Who is someone that you think has created positive change?

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"Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell," a documentary film about the inspiring life and legacy of Atlanta businessman and founder of one of the United States' largest black-owned commercial real estate development and construction firms. The nearly hour-long film took more than a year to produce and features interviews with notable Atlantans, who knew Herman J.

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Have you visited anywhere that celebrated Black history or taught you something new?

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Have you visited anywhere that celebrated Black history or taught you something new?

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Add it below!

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Is there an artist, musician, actor, writer, influencer you want to share in honor of Black History Month? This person could be from 100 years ago or famous today!

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Some of Atlanta's own contribute musically.  https://www.npr.org/series/5228533/a-musical-black-history-month

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What books would you recommend people read during Black History Month?

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13-year-old activist, philanthropist, and “future president” Mari Copeny is on the front lines helping kids to embrace their power through equal opportunity. When the Flint Water Crisis began in Flint instead of feeling helpless Mari decided to use her voice to help out her community and to fight for the kids in Flint and she has not stopped since. Since then she has expanded her effort to help communities across the nation dealing with toxic water.

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16-year-old activist, philanthropist, and "future president" Mari Copeny is on the front lines of tackling America's water crisis head on, and helping kids to embrace their power through equal opportunity. When the Flint Water Crisis began instead of feeling helpless Mari decided to use her voice to help out her community and to fight for the kids in Flint. Since then she has expanded her efforts to help communities across the nation dealing with toxic drinking water.

"My generation will fix this mess of a government. Watch us."

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16-year-old activist, philanthropist, and "future president" Mari Copeny is on the front lines of tackling America's water crisis head on, and helping kids to embrace their power through equal opportunity. When the Flint Water Crisis began instead of feeling helpless Mari decided to use her voice to help out her community and to fight for the kids in Flint.

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James Mercer Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist from Joplin, Missouri. One of the earliest innovators of the then-new literary art form called jazz poetry, Hughes is best known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance.

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Lorraine Vivian Hansberry was a playwright and writer. She was the first African-American female author to have a play performed on Broadway. Her best known work, the play A Raisin in the Sun, highlights the lives of Black Americans living under racial segregation in Chicago.

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Lorraine Hansberry, Activist and Playwright | Biography

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February gets a lot of love (pun intended) for being the month of lace, doilies, and hearts, but the month should also be recognized for being something much more important and significant-Black History Month.

The precursor to Black History Month was established in 1926 and was just one week in February dedicated to Black history. Since 1976, every U.S. president has designated the entire month of February as Black History Month, and for good reason. Many figures and events that are an important part of Black history are, unfortunately, often missing from history textbooks. Fortunately there are many books, including these 13 terrific picks for middle graders, that will give young readers insight into the courage, perseverance, and strength displayed by so many African Americans during incredibly dark times in our nation's history, and will give families the perfect opportunity to discuss how Black history has shaped our country.

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Celebrate Black History Month with 13 Middle Grade Books - B&N Reads

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February gets a lot of love (pun intended) for being the month of lace, doilies, and hearts, but the month should also be recognized for being something much more important and significant-Black History Month. The precursor to Black History Month was established in 1926 and was just one week in February dedicated to Black history.

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Teenage social activist behind #1000BlackGirlBooks, an international movement to collect and donate children's books that feature Black girls as the lead character

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Marley Dias is a purpose-driven 18-year-old founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks and author of Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You! Currently, a college student at Harvard. She is also the Ambassador of National Educational Association (NEA) Read Across America. Host and Executive Producer of Netflix's Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices.

Marley launched the #1000BlackGirlBooks drive in November of 2015, leveraging the power of social media to reach a larger audience. The goal was to collect 1,000 books featuring Black female protagonists by February 2016. The story went viral and was picked up by media outlets around the world as well as bloggers, schools, youth-focused organizations and millions of individuals who wanted to participate in the project. Marley has collected over 13,000 books to-date.

Marley has spoken at the White House's United State of Women alongside Michelle Obama and Oprah, The Forbes Women's Summit, United Nation's Girl Up, Inbound, CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion, the Social Innovation Summit and several others. Marley was recognized by TIME, as one of the 25 most influential teens in 2018.

In light of the campaign's huge success, Marley has appeared on Ellen, CBS This Morning, The Today Show, The View, and several others. In her Editor in Residency at ELLE, Marley has been in conversation with Ava DuVernay, Misty Copeland and Hillary Clinton for Elle.com. Marley has been featured in a Microsoft Commercial, a Disney World Resorts digital campaign and a Walmart Black History Month campaign.

Marley is the youngest member of the Forbes 30 under 30 list to date and was included in the list for 2018. She has been awarded the Smithsonian Ingenuity Award, Ebony 100, and more. Marley resides in West Orange, NJ with her mother, father and dog Philly.

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Marley Dias is a purpose-driven 18-year-old founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks and author of Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You! Currently, a college student

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Black History Month 2023: Facts, Origins & More | HISTORY

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February is dedicated as Black History Month, honoring the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history.

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Take a virtual tour of the King Center in Atlanta

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The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change

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Students with King | Virtual tour of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

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Two very important birthdays helped activists, led by Carter G. Woodson, choose when to celebrate

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Special Display

February 1-28

Black Resistance

This small, curated display explores how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression-in many forms-from America's earliest days into the 21st century. Items featured are from the Rare Book and Special Collections, Manuscript, and Prints and Photographs Divisions.

(Library of Congress)

Documentary Film and Discussion

February 8

Through the African American Lens: Afrofuturism: The Origin Story - A Smithsonian Channel Documentary

In support of NMAAHC's newest exhibition, Afrofuturism - A History of Black Futures, the public programs department will present the Afrofuturism: The Origin Story documentary produced by the Smithsonian Channel. This film features insights from renowned scholar and artist Ytasha Womack with Kevin Strait, NMAAHC curator of the Afrofuturism exhibition, and contributor to its companion collection of essays.

(National Museum of African American History and Culture)

Online Research Seminar

February 8

African Americans in Business: Doing Historical Company Research

Explore historical company research through the 2023 Black History Month theme of "Resistance," featuring historic Black barbers who resisted the status quo by supporting black education and civil rights movements. Led by Business Reference and Research Specialists, we plan on covering print and electronic sources - both free and subscription - as well as giving a few tips and tricks picked up over the years. This event will take place over Zoom. Online registration is free at the link above.

(Library of Congress)

Online Book Discussion

February 9

Art AfterWords: A Book Discussion

The National Portrait Gallery and the DC Public Library would like to invite you to a robust conversation about gender, social movements, and protest music. Join us as we analyze a portrait of human rights activist and musical artist Odetta and discuss the related Smithsonian Folkways Recording, "Voices of the Civil Rights Movement: Black American Freedom Songs 1960-1966" by various artists.

(National Portrait Gallery)

Online Event

February 23

Live! At the Library: African American Folk Music with Jake Blount

A powerfully gifted musician and a scholar of Black American music, Jake Blount speaks ardently about the African roots of the banjo and the subtle, yet profound ways African Americans have shaped and defined the categories of roots music and Americana. This event is free, but tickets are required. They are available via the link above.

(Library of Congress)

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February 1-28 Black Resistance This small, curated display explores how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression-in many forms-from America's earliest days into the 21st century. Items featured are from the Rare Book and Special Collections, Manuscript, and Prints and Photographs Divisions.

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Check out the PBS site: Georgia Stories: Black History Collection

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Black History in Georgia | PBS LearningMedia

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The history of African Americans in Georgia dates back to the earliest days of slavery in the colony. From the Antebellum era to the end of the Civil War, slaves toiled on farms and plantations across Georgia.

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Learning Lab - National Museum of African American History and Culture

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Learning Lab - National Museum of African American History and Culture

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National Museum of African American History and Culture

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Greetings from the Education Team of the National Museum of African American History and Culture!! The National Museum of African American History a…

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Established in 1968 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change ("The King Center") has been a global destination, resource center and community institution for over a quarter century. Nearly a million people each year make pilgrimage to the National Historic Site to learn, be inspired and pay their respects to Dr. King's legacy. Both a traditional memorial and programmatic nonprofit, the King Center was envisioned by its founder to be "no dead monument, but a living memorial filled with all the vitality that was his, a center of human endeavor, committed to the causes for which he lived and died." - See more at: http://www.thekingcenter.org/about-king-center

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The King Center, Atlanta, United States - Google Arts & Culture

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Established in 1968 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change ("The King Center") has been a global destination, resource center and community institution for over a quarter century. Nearly a million people each year make pilgrimage to the National Historic Site to learn, be inspired and pay their respects to Dr. King's legacy.

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Is there someone you want to want to recognize who has won a notable award? 

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Is there someone you want to want to recognize who has won a notable award? 

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Click the plus sign to add them!

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Check out these must read books!

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Image Credit: Delandrus Seales

Nearly one year ago, Coretta Scott King Book Award Honoree and three-time Caldecott Honoree, Carole Boston Weatherford, traveled to Wilmington, NC, a coastal town, with her award-winning illustrator son Jeffrey Weatherford to share their traditions and storytelling to fourth-grade students in the library at Dr. John Codington Elementary School.

Entrancing the audience with African rhythms on the djembe, a slow cadence of call-and-response spirituals, and spoken word poetry, the Weatherfords immersed students into the world of the African-American experience. The Weatherford family history was told through their published literature. African American traditions of storytelling sessions with grandparents and African Americans who changed the world highlighted the visit.

Image Credit: Delandrus Seales

Between taps on the tambourine and the pulsing of the shekere, Carol and Jeffrey Weatherford showcased North Carolina's participation in critical events from the Civil Rights movement during their read alouds of CSK John Steptoe Award Winner Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins and Sink or Swim: African American Lifesavers of the Outer Banks.

Jeffrey shared his early illustrative works from childhood. Students asked questions about his journey to becoming an award-winning illustrator. His interests in art began when his family celebrated his early class doodles drawn when he was supposed to be taking notes in class and framed his works. He told the students about self-portraits and anime drawings. Jeffrey enamored the students with a time-lapsed video of his illustrative process.

Making music with their spoken word and lyrical presentations of their published works, the Weatherfords graced the Codington school community with an incredible experience and performance that ignited continued studies in African American history, the African diaspora, and award-winning literature that continued throughout the school year.

Students' non-fiction studies with Weatherford's texts continued long after their visit during remote learning. CSK Author Honor title Becoming Billie Holiday and CSK Illustrator Honor title Before John Was a Jazz Giant were utilized during their studies during International Jazz month and Black History Month. Archival footage of Billie Holiday and John Coltrane's performances entranced the students while showing them the inspiration for Weatherford's works.

Image Credit: Delandrus Seales

A regular rotation of book displays along with the integration of Weatherford's texts during instruction, both in-person and remote, enriched students' understanding of the historical impact made by the Greensboro Four, John Coltrane, and Billie Holiday. Thanks to Carole Boston Weatherford's texts and her visit, fourth-grade students in the Codington Elementary library have fortified their understanding of African American heroes, traditions, and storytelling and are enthusiastic about continuing their learning.

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Delandrus Seales is a member of the CSK Executive Board as the CSK Publications Standing Committee Chair and a member of the CSK Technology Standing Committee. She is a Branch Manager with Onslow County Public Library, and a former school librarian in North Carolina. Delandrus completed her M.L.S. at East Carolina University and her M.S. Ed at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

For over five decades, the Coretta Scott King Book Award has provided a platform for showcasing the talents of numerous authors and illustrators. Historically speaking, the CSK Award has recognized African American authors and illustrators where no such distinction existed before. CSK awardees are literary luminaries who have successfully brought African American children's literature out of the shadows, thus providing much-needed diversity in children's literature.

The announcement of the ALA 2020 Youth Media Awards marked an unprecedented milestone. For the first time in the history of children's literature awards, the Coretta Scott King Book Awards as well as the Newbery and Caldecott Medals chose the same winning books: The Undefeated (Versify/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), written by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson won both the CSK Illustrator Award and the Caldecott Medal. Additionally, the New Kid (Harper) written and illustrated by Jerry Craft won the CSK Author Award and the Newbery Medal. An examination of the Newbery and Caldecott selections over time and their consideration of African American awardees yields some interesting insights.

Established in 1922, the Newbery Medal is the oldest children's literature award. In 1975, Virginia Hamilton became the first African American author to win the Newbery Medal for her M. C. Higgins, the Great (Macmillan). Two African American authors followed: Mildred D. Taylor for Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Dial) in 1977 and Kwame Alexander for The Crossover (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) in 2015. In addition, some twenty-six African American authors have been recognized with Newbery Honor Awards. Yet, the Newbery has chosen the same book as the CSK Book Awards jury only one other time. This occurred in 2000 for Bud, Not Buddy (Delacorte) by Christopher Paul Curtis.

Since 1937, the Randolph Caldecott Medal has annually recognized the most distinguished American picture book for children and is awarded to an illustrator. The first Caldecott Medal awarded to an African American occurred in 1976 and went to Leo and Diane Dillon, an interracial couple, for Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears (Dial) writtenby Verna Aardema. The Dillons won a second medal in 1977 for Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions (Dial) written by Margaret Musgrove. In 2010,Jerry Pinkney became the first solo African American illustrator to win a Caldecott Medal for The Lion and the Mouse (Little, Brown and Company). At present, some thirty African American illustrators have been awarded Caldecott Honors. However, the only other time an illustrator won both the CSK Award and Caldecott Medal was in 2017 when Javaka Steptoe received both for Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquitat (Little, Brown and Company).

These prize-winning books have continued to influence reading choices and inspire young readers. And while the CSK, Newberry and Caldecott have long served as guides to those seeking the best in children's literature, it's rare that the juries of these prestigious book awards have shared the same vision. Bravo to new directions!

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Carolyn L. Garnes served as CSK Book Awards Chair from 1993 to 1997.

Mildred D. Taylor

In 1970, the first Coretta Scott King Book Award was given. Significantly, the award's namesake, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stressed the critical importance of children's books as learning instruments that taught universal human values. Among these values was the enduring belief that individuals must assume agency or responsibility for creating a world where the intrinsic beauty of African Americans was reflected in books with well-conceived and executed plots, fully-delineated characters, and images which thematically complement the book's specific and overarching themes.

The John Steptoe Award for New Talent was established in 1995 and is awarded annually to an author or illustrator of books for children and young adults that celebrate African American life and culture. As one of several distinctions given by the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Committee, the Steptoe Award confers distinction to recipients with fewer than three published works. It seeks to "affirm new talent and to offer visibility for excellence in writing and/or illustration which otherwise might be formally unacknowledged within a given year, and at the beginning of a career as a published book creator."

In this post, we'll review the first decade's recipients of the award.

In 1995, Sharon Draper won the first John Steptoe Award for Tears of a Tiger. The first book in the Hazelwood High Trilogy, this novel describes the guilt and grief of Andy, driver of a car involved in a traffic accident that killed a fellow "Tiger" or student at Hazelwood High School. The book title and content ask a primarily adolescent reading audience to examine drunk driving, death, guilt, depression, suicide, and healing.

Notably, the novel is presented through the eyes of an African American male, which is a device Draper uses to share public responses to African American males. Formerly an English teacher, Draper's novel is also used in high school English classes for its use of complementary narrative voices which deconstruct the notion of truth and tone.

Draper's other works include her Jericho series, Sassy series, Ziggy and the Black Dinosaurs series as well as ten standalone novels, nonfiction and poetry.

Martha Southgate won the Steptoe for her debut novel, Another Way to Dance in 1997. Like Draper, Southgate's novel is relayed through the eyes of an African American teen. This bildungsroman describes a fourteen-year-old Vicki Harris and her desire to become a ballerina. While Vicki wins acceptance at the distinguished School of American Ballet in New York City, Southgate describes the isolation Vicki experiences as one of two African Americans at the school as well as her exploration of her identity as an African American. The racism she encounters and her efforts to negotiate this racism are a vital part of this narrative. Thematically, the negotiation of race and racism is presented in Southgate's four novels (three of which are narrated by female protagonists) that examine the African American middle class and their diverse responses to other African Americans, race, and racism in America.

In 1999, Eric Velasquez, illustrator of The Piano Man won the Steptoe Award. Velasquez's images appeal to young readers who are the target audience for his first children's picture book. Set in the decades leading up to and including the coming of sound in film in 1927, the book's seventeen illustrations show the dignity and grace of African American men, women, and children as they enjoy entertainments like traveling shows and films. Velasquez's depictions center on the life of Sherman Robinson, the grandfather of The Piano Man author Debbie Chocolate. Robinson was a pianist trained by jazz pioneer, Jelly Roll Morton. Young readers see Robinson's composure and polish as he achieves milestones like purchasing his home, and meets professional and personal challenges. Velasquez also highlights African American culture by depicting African American filmgoers supporting filmmaker Oscar Micheaux by attending his 1931 film, The Exile.

In 1999, Sharon Flake received the Steptoe Author Award for The Skin I'm In. The novel is a bildungsroman that also addresses bullying, racism, family loss, and low self-esteem experienced by Maleeka Madison, an African American girl with a deep skin tone. Flake unflinchingly describes the world around Maleeka, made brutal by a select few, and the specific encounters Maleeka endures as a darker-skinned African American. Ultimately, Maleeka gains self-confidence through her writing and validating experiences with teachers and can defend herself. However, Flake targets victims as well as victimizers in her novel by asking those who bully to explore the motivations for their actions.
John Steptoe Award Chronology
2000 No award

1999 The Skin I'm In by Sharon Flake (Steptoe Author Award)

1999 The Piano Man illustrated by Eric Velasquez (Steptoe Illustrator Award)

1998 No award

1997 Another Way to Dance by Martha Southgate (Steptoe Author
Award)

1996 No award

1995 Tears of a Tiger by Sharon Draper (Steptoe Author Award)

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Dr. Leslie Campbell Hime is manager of the Richland Public Library in Richland, Washington. She is an incoming ALA Councilor and a former chair of EMIERT and ALA's Diversity Research Grant Advisory Committee. She obtained her MLIS from the University of Arizona and PhD in English from Michigan State University.

As we celebrate the tenth-anniversary of the Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement and the authors, illustrators, and practitioners who have received it, it is also important to reflect on the life of Hamilton herself, an indomitable woman whose innovative work brought stories of African-Americans to the international literary stage and forever changed the field of children's literature. Hamilton would later credit her grandfather, Levi Perry, for instilling the gift of storytelling within her.

During her Coretta Scott King (CSK) Book Award acceptance speech for The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales, Virginia Hamilton noted that "Levi Perry's life, or the gossip about his days, has elements of mystery, myth, and folklore...It's from hearing such tales that I became a student of folklore." Levi began his life as a slave, but when he was five-years-old, his mother smuggled him out of Virginia and managed to get him to relatives in Ohio, where he was raised as a free man. That story of maternal sacrifice and the flight to freedom had an indelible impact on Hamilton, who said, "And this was the original story as far as I'm concerned...That was the beginning of the family culture."

After marrying Rhetta Adams, Levi settled on farmland in Yellow Springs, OH, where Rhetta's family had lived since the 1850's. The couple had ten children including Etta Belle, who would become Virginia's mother. As she grew to adulthood, Etta Belle rebelled against Levi's rules, particularly his insistence that she only date ministers. While visiting her sister Bessie and her husband in Canada, Etta Belle met her future husband, Kenneth James Hamilton, by chance at a ball. Kenneth graduated from Iowa State Business College in the 1890's but was told that no one would hire a black man as a banker. A series of odd jobs brought him to Canada where he and Etta Belle fell in love and were married. They returned to Yellow Springs and started a family on a twelve-acre farm while Kenneth took a job as the manager of the Tearoom, a dining hall at Antioch College. Virginia, the youngest child, was born on March 12th, 1934 and was named for her grandfather's home state.

Even as a child, Virginia's life was inundated with stories. Her mother put her to sleep with tales such as Br'er Rabbit and the Tar Baby while her father regaled her with tales of real life African-American heroes like W.E.B. Du Bois and Paul Robeson. The Sherlock Holmes mysteries she and her father read together became the inspiration for Virginia's novel The House of Dies Drear (1968), while a picture of the Watusi people found in her father's magazine collection influenced her first novel, Zeely (1967). Inspiration for her more than 40 books emanated from her bucolic childhood in Yellow Springs as much as from stories her family told. During adventures wandering through her family's land and the neighboring glen, Hamilton stumbled upon a ramshackle grand hotel, the memory of which she drew upon for Dies Drear and M.C. Higgins the Great (1974).

Hamilton discovered her career path while working with her father at the Tearoom during high school. Antioch College was integrated, and Hamilton encountered students of diverse backgrounds, many of whom were from New York City. After three years of studying writing at Antioch, Hamilton transferred to Ohio State University as a literature major in 1956. A professor encouraged her to pursue writing in New York City, and after graduation she moved to the East Village, working as a receptionist, an accountant, and a singer to make ends meet. Hamilton's big break came when Janet Schuetz, a former classmate and wife of an ad writer for Macmillan Publishing, was impressed with a short story that Hamilton wrote in college and encouraged her to turn it into a children's book, a path Hamilton had never considered. That book became Zeely. Critics enthusiastically embraced Zeely, which not only prominently featured black characters, but was a story whose plot did not revolve around racial struggles. The American Library Association recognized Zeely as a Notable Book, the first of many awards that would come Hamilton's way during her long career.

In 1975, Hamilton won the Newbery Medal for M.C. Higgins, becoming the first African-American writer to win this prestigious award. She would go on to win the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, the de Grummond Medal from The University of Southern Mississippi, and The Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing, the highest international honor for a children's book author or illustrator. Central to her success is Hamilton's focus on relatable characters and deep reverence for children and childhood. In her acceptance speech for The Hans Christian Andersen Award, Hamilton said: "Indeed, it is often said that we authors write especially for children because our childhoods were so vital and heartfelt that we cannot let go of them, ever. But I do write about childhood awareness out of my rich, country experience. I truly loved being a child. I still keep inside me that curious six-year-old, that ten-year-old lover of pranks and jokes, and the defiant thirteen-to-fourteen-year-old."

Virginia Hamilton's death in 2002 from breast cancer left a void in the children's literature world that can never be filled, but her legacy of storytelling lives on to be cherished and celebrated by generations of young people who, thanks to her, see themselves reflected in literature. Learn more about her by visiting http://www.virginiahamilton.com/ .

Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement is presented by the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Committee in even years to an African American author, illustrator or author/illustrator for a body of his or her published books for children and/or young adults, and who has made a significant and lasting literary contribution. For additional information, including a list of winners, visit this link.

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Rodney Marcel Fierce is a Humanities Teacher at Sonoma Academy in Santa Rosa, California and is finishing his dissertation for his English doctoral program at The University of Southern Mississippi. He is a member of the CSK Marketing Committee.

Image credit: Lauren Kratz

At the end of 2019, I went to see the Our Voice: Celebrating the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Awards exhibit at the Los Angeles Public Library. I invited my friend and co-worker Daniella, who is eighteen and had never read any of the Coretta Scott King award-winning books growing up. While we were viewing the exhibit, I cheered when I saw John Steptoe's beautiful artwork from his book Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters. Daniella was impressed and asked me about the story. As I explained, I remembered that I had first loved this book because of watching the television show Reading Rainbow hosted by LeVar Burton in the 1990s. I would have my lists of books prepared before trips to the library, all suggestions from the show Reading Rainbow. I then noticed that Daniella had her list of books she had written down. I asked her what that list was for, and she said, "Books that I am going to check out when we get back to the library."

As Daniella and I were leaving the exhibit, we paused again in front of Faith Ringgold's magnificent Tar Beach story quilt. At that moment, I wondered to myself: As a children's librarian, why am I not using more Coretta Scott King award-winning books in my programming throughout the year? Not just when there is the CSK 50th anniversary or African American Heritage Month, but regularly. I decided to take action.

Inspired by my visit to see the Our Voice exhibit, the first CSK Book Award inspired program that I created for my library for 2020 was a quilt-inspired placemat. For this all-ages activity, we read Tar Beach aloud and projected a life-size image of Ms. Ringgold's story quilt. We talked about what a quilt is and how each one tells a story. Many children shared that they had quilts at home from someone in their family. Then the children created their placemats by gluing different paper shapes and we laminated them.

During the program, I also projected CSK award-winning illustrated book, The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, onto a screen. We had copies of Tar Beach, The Patchwork Quilt and The Quilts of Gee's Bend by Susan Goldman Rubinon on hand and available for check out for project inspiration. The children could not wait to share the stories behind their quilt inspired placemats.

My next CSK Award related program will be a children's book club where we will discuss recent CSK Author Honor winner Kwame Mbalia's middle grade fantasy, Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky.

Throughout the year and in the future, I will continue to find ways to promote Coretta Scott King Award-winning books through library programming, outreach, and displays as well as with my colleagues and other educators.

You can check the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) website for further information about when the Our Voice exhibit may be traveling to you. Once public health circumstances permit and if you have the chance, please don't miss seeing this beautiful exhibit in person. There is also a link to request more information about bringing the exhibit to your venue.

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Lauren Kratz is a member of the CSK Technology Committee, the CSK Awards Book Donation Grant Standing Committee, and a children's librarian at Los Angeles Public Library.

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Nearly one year ago, Coretta Scott King Book Award Honoree and three-time Caldecott Honoree, Carole Boston Weatherford, traveled to Wilmington, NC, a coastal town, with her award-winning illustrator son Jeffrey Weatherford to share their traditions and storytelling to fourth-grade students in the library at Dr. John Codington Elementary School.

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Maya Angelou won several awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Grammy, and more!

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Mural inspired by 'Black Panther' painted on building at Georgia film studio

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Mural inspired by 'Black Panther' painted on building at Georgia film studio

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"Chadwick Boseman was an inspiration for a whole generation. We are excited to have some of that reflected here at Trilith."

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At Trilith, creativity is a cornerstone of community.

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Do you have suggestions or feedback? Fill out the form below.

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Do you have suggestions or feedback? Fill out the form below.

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Easily create surveys and polls to collect customer feedback, measure employee satisfaction, and organize team events.

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Native American/American Indian History Month

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Native American/American Indian History Month

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American contemporary painter, silhouettist, print-maker, installation artist, and film-maker who explores race, gender, sexuality, violence, and identity in her work.

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by Claude Brown

About Claude Brown - Claude Brown was born in New York City and grew up in Harlem. At age seventeen, after serving several terms in reform school, he left Harlem for Greenwich Village. He went on to receive a bachelor's degree from Howard University and attended law school. He also wrote a book called The Children of Ham in 1976. Manchild in the Promised Land evolved from an article he published in Dissent magazine during his first year at college. He died in 2002 at the age of 64.

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Trumpeter, composer, vocalist, and actor - influential figure in jazz.

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Louis Armstrong: Broke Down Barriers for African American Artists | Biography

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Condoleezza Rice - a memoir of my extraordinary ordinary family and me

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Condoleezza Rice - a memoir of my extraordinary ordinary family and me

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Condoleezza Rice: A Memoir of My Extraordinary, Ordinary Family and Me

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Condoleezza Rice: A Memoir of My Extraordinary, Ordinary Family and Me [Rice, Condoleezza] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Condoleezza Rice: A Memoir of My Extraordinary, Ordinary Family and Me

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Martin Luther King has helped Black people get more equality than they had in the 60's. A main hero is George Floyd. If he didn't die Black Lives Matters wouldn't have taking of sure it happened to other people later but George Floyd was the main cause. So he is a person who died a man and became a hero

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Martin Luther King has helped Black people get more equality than they had in the 60's. A main hero is George Floyd. If he didn't die Black Lives Matters wouldn't have taking of sure it happened to other people later but George Floyd was the main cause. So he is a person who died a man and became a hero

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Awards

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In 1964 Martin Luther King, Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his dynamic leadership of the Civil Rights movement and steadfast commitment to achieving racial justice through nonviolent action.

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In 1964 Martin Luther King, Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his dynamic leadership of the Civil Rights movement and steadfast commitment to achieving racial justice through nonviolent action.

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Martin Luther King Jr. Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech

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Percy Lavon Julian (April 11, 1899 – April 19, 1975) was an American research chemist and a pioneer in the chemical synthesis of medicinal drugs from plants.

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Season 34 Episode 3 | 1h 52m 42s |

The grandson of Alabama slaves, Percy Julian met with every possible barrier in a deeply segregated America. He was a man of genius, devotion, and determination. As a black man he was also an outsider, fighting to make a place for himself in a profession and country divided by bigotry-a man who would eventually find freedom in the laboratory.

Aired: 06/01/07

Rating: TV-PG

Problems Playing Video? Report a Problem |

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NOVA | Forgotten Genius | Season 34 | Episode 3 | PBS

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Season 34 Episode 3 | 1h 52m 42s | The grandson of Alabama slaves, Percy Julian met with every possible barrier in a deeply segregated America. He was a man of genius, devotion, and determination.

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African-Americans we learn about in social studies

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African-Americans we learn about in social studies

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Fredrick Douglass
Rosa Parks
Langston Hughes
Louis Armstrong
Just to name a few!

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https://www.epicreads.com/blog/black-history-month/

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Inaugural poet Amanda Gorman delivers a poem at Joe Biden's inauguration

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Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Abrams, who faced disappointments including her own narrow defeat to be Georgia's governor in 2018, was credited with laying the organizational groundwork that helped Democrats capture the state's two Senate seats. Those victories propelled the party into the Senate majority and helped seal Joe Biden's win in November, the first time a Democratic presidential candidate has taken the state since 1992.

According to Reuters, Abrams's nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize was announced by Norwegian Parliament member Lars Haltbrekken of the Socialist Left Party, saying that the nomination was inspired by her work promoting nonviolent change through voting.

"Abrams' work follows in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s footsteps in the fight for equality before the law and for civil rights," Haltbrekken said.
WATCH: FOX 5 Atlanta live news coverage
The Georgia Democrats' voting rights organization Fair Fight Action raised millions of dollars to organize and register hundreds of thousands of voters, while Abrams used her high profile to keep the party focused on the state.

"Abrams' efforts to complete King's work are crucial if the United States of America shall succeed in its effort to create fraternity between all its peoples and a peaceful and just society," Haltbrekken said.

Other candidates for the prize this year include former President Donald Trump, Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, the Black Lives Matter Movement, and climate activist Greta Thunberg.

The Norwegian committee will release a shortlist for the award in March.
Download the FOX 5 Atlanta app for breaking news and weather alerts. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Stacey Abrams nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

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Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. Abrams, who faced disappointments including her own narrow defeat to be Georgia's governor in 2018, was credited with laying the organizational groundwork that helped Democrats capture the state's two Senate seats.

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15 Untold Black History Inventors Wasn't Taught At School

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Ms. Brewer will be the first African American female executive to head up a Fortune 500 company.

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Starbucks Chief Operations Officer and Group President Rosalind "Roz" Brewer speaks at the Annual ... [+]
AFP via Getty Images

Walgreen Boots Alliance (WBA) has named Roz Brewer as CEO as of March 15, 2021. Roz is currently COO of Starbucks Corp. She will succeed Stefano Pessina, who announced last July that he would step down when a new CEO was found. On March 15, he will transition to the role of executive chairman of WBA.

This is an historic appointment. Ms. Brewer will be the first African American female executive to head up a Fortune 500 company. She joins two other female executives who head up two other major drug store company chains. Karen Lynch will be CEO of CVS as of February 1, and Rite Aid selected Heyward Donigan as CEO in August of 2019.

Ms. Brewer, 59, started her career at Kimberly-Clark as a scientist. During her 22-year tenure there, she rose to be president of the Nonwovens Sector in 2004. From there, she joined Walmart where I met her as a regional VP. She rose to be President of Walmart East and, from 2012 to 2017, she was CEO of Sam's Club.

She then left Walmart and joined Starbucks. Known as a hard-working executive, she is likely to change some layout and content of Walgreen stores in United States. I would encourage her to start with a new vision that would clean up the stores and make them more customer friendly. It might require some elimination of slow moving classifications.

Ms. Brewer said: "The healthcare industry is consistently evolving, and I am excited to work alongside the entire WBA team to deliver further innovation and positively impact the lives of millions of people around the world every day...I step into this role with great optimism for the future of WBA, a shared responsibility to serve our customers, patients, and communities, and a commitment to drive long-term sustainable value for shareholders."

The drug store industry has gone beyond selling medications and related products and taken over some of the assortments traditionally found in five and dime stores. While their prescription departments are a key attraction, growth has been supported by expanding their product lines over the years. The assortment has been extended, but never selectively pruned. Ms. Brewer has a chance to make the assortment timely and innovative. Customers look for new ideas, and I hope they will find them soon at Walgreens.

I congratulate Ms. Brewer and wish her huge success as she assumes this leadership position. The global expansion of WBA will make her a world leader and an executive that will be a listened to in the industry.

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Walgreen Boots Alliance (WBA) has named Roz Brewer as CEO as of March 15, 2021. Roz is currently COO of Starbucks Corp. She will succeed Stefano Pessina, who announced last July that he would step down when a new CEO was found. On March 15, he will transition to the role of executive chairman of WBA.

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Starbucks Chief Operations Officer and Group President Rosalind "Roz" Brewer speaks at the Annual ... [+]
AFP via Getty Images

Walgreen Boots Alliance (WBA) has named Roz Brewer as CEO as of March 15, 2021. Roz is currently COO of Starbucks Corp. She will succeed Stefano Pessina, who announced last July that he would step down when a new CEO was found. On March 15, he will transition to the role of executive chairman of WBA.

This is an historic appointment. Ms. Brewer will be the first African American female executive to head up a Fortune 500 company. She joins two other female executives who head up two other major drug store company chains. Karen Lynch will be CEO of CVS as of February 1, and Rite Aid selected Heyward Donigan as CEO in August of 2019.

Ms. Brewer, 59, started her career at Kimberly-Clark as a scientist. During her 22-year tenure there, she rose to be president of the Nonwovens Sector in 2004. From there, she joined Walmart where I met her as a regional VP. She rose to be President of Walmart East and, from 2012 to 2017, she was CEO of Sam's Club.

She then left Walmart and joined Starbucks. Known as a hard-working executive, she is likely to change some layout and content of Walgreen stores in United States. I would encourage her to start with a new vision that would clean up the stores and make them more customer friendly. It might require some elimination of slow moving classifications.

Ms. Brewer said: "The healthcare industry is consistently evolving, and I am excited to work alongside the entire WBA team to deliver further innovation and positively impact the lives of millions of people around the world every day...I step into this role with great optimism for the future of WBA, a shared responsibility to serve our customers, patients, and communities, and a commitment to drive long-term sustainable value for shareholders."

The drug store industry has gone beyond selling medications and related products and taken over some of the assortments traditionally found in five and dime stores. While their prescription departments are a key attraction, growth has been supported by expanding their product lines over the years. The assortment has been extended, but never selectively pruned. Ms. Brewer has a chance to make the assortment timely and innovative. Customers look for new ideas, and I hope they will find them soon at Walgreens.

I congratulate Ms. Brewer and wish her huge success as she assumes this leadership position. The global expansion of WBA will make her a world leader and an executive that will be a listened to in the industry.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Walgreen Boots Alliance (WBA) has named Roz Brewer as CEO as of March 15, 2021. Roz is currently COO of Starbucks Corp. She will succeed Stefano Pessina, who announced last July that he would step down when a new CEO was found. On March 15, he will transition to the role of executive chairman of WBA.

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Now more than ever, it's important for us all learn a little bit more about Black history. For Black History Month, kids can learn about important contributions by Black people in history, gain new skills from Black educators and creators, and tour some important historical landmarks from home. These classes from our favorite museums as well as educators at Outschool, Airbnb and KidPass are a great way for the whole family to learn something new this month.

Why Do We Celebrate Black History Month?

In this lesson, students will learn about the origins of Black History Month, the importance of why its celebrated and where it's celebrated. Best for ages 6-11.

Influential Women of Color from History

In this class, learn about role models, activists and women who changed the world.

African American Storytime: Before She Was Harriet

This class is based on the book Before She Was Harriet. The style of the class is re-enactment performances and it is suitable for all ages.

Frederick Douglass: Agitator Exhibit

Originally on view at the American Writers Museum in 2019, Frederick Douglass: Agitator is now available virtually. Visitors can see the original content from the exhibit that explores the later life of writer and orator Frederick Douglass, learn about his use of portraiture, download curriculum and more.

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

The Origins of Black History Month

This class details the history of Black History Month in America, including some little-known facts, and why the month was created. Best for ages 10-15

The FunikiJam Show Celebrates Black Musicians: NEW ORLEANS Mardi Gras Edition

Last year they were Off-broadway and On-tour with their own original musicals, but now you can dance, sing, play and learn with the FunikiJam cast in online programs that are part high-energy class and part interactive live show (a 2021 Best of NYC Music Class).

This special edition features Zydeco music - a blend of Afro Caribbean Rhythms, Creole Culture and French language, original FunikiJam songs, stories, and rhymes about New Orleans Culture, and adaptations of African American folk songs like This Train is Bound for Glory.

Cost: $10
Online: KidPass.com 2/19 - 3:30PM ET | KidPass.com 2/24 - 3:30PM ET

Living History@Home: Black Women's Club Movement

The New York Historical Society invites kids to learn about black women, like Ida B. Wells, and meet other leaders and activists portrayed by historical interpreters.

Black History Basics

Every Wednesday in February, Nareissa Smith, a former law professor and a journalist who writes about racial and gender justice issues, will be hosting educational classes on African American History-in partnership with Varsity Tutors, a live-learning platform.

The first class Black History Basics: Life in Africa & the Beginnings of Slavery (2/3) will explore how Africans created vibrant, fascinating cultures, long before ever coming to America. In this interactive lesson, students will learn about these African civilizations and their extraordinary contributions to global trade, technology, and culture. Then students will examine the beginnings of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and the arrival of Africans in the Americas.

February 10 - Slavery Facts vs. Fiction
February 17 - The Promise & Failure of Freedom
February 24 - Civil Rights & Beyond

Black History Month at The Field Museum

The Field Museum will be hosting a variety of online programs throughout February that highlight and amplify Black voices and stories. The live and pre-recorded events include a mix of Black History-themed behind-the-scenes tours, virtual exhibition viewings, and panel discussions with museum scholars for museum fans, educators, and students to enjoy. Find all the events here.

Tour Boston's Black Heritage Trail

Fourteen historic sites are included in this virtual tour, among them are former residences, schools, businesses, churches of this thriving black community as well as several stations on the Underground Railroad, along which escaped slaves fled from the South to freedom in the North and in Canada.

The FunikiJam Show Celebrates Black Musicians: NASHVILLE MUSIC CITY Edition

Last year they were Off-broadway and On-tour with their own original musicals, but now you can dance, sing, play and learn with the FunikiJam cast in online programs that are part high-energy class and part interactive live show (a 2021 Best of NYC Music Class) .

This special edition features country music from Black Musicians like Charlie Pride and Darius Rucker mixed with original FunikiJam songs, stories, and rhymes about farm animals and country culture. Ages 2-7.

Cost: $10
Online: KidPass.com 2/12 - 3:30PM ET | KidPass.com 2/18 - 3:30PM ET

Black History Month Camp: Contributions to Society

In this 4 Week Black History Month Camp, your learner will explore the impact and contributions that Black Americans have made in society from technology, to music, to entertainment and sports. Ages 7-10.

Explore Kenyan Cuisines, Culture & Music

The best meals are home-cooked and thanks to the magic of the Internet, you can learn how to make Kenyan cuisines from scratch with ingredients and materials from your own kitchen! In this interactive experience, learn how to prepare authentic Kenyan cuisines all using the techniques from the chef's family own recipes. A fun family experience!

The FunikiJam Show Celebrates Black Musicians: PARIS JAZZ and ZOUK Edition

Last year they were Off-broadway and On-tour with their own original musicals, but now you can dance, sing, play and learn with the FunikiJam cast in online programs that are part high-energy class and part interactive live show (a 2021 Best of NYC Music Class) .

This special edition features jazz, swing & zouk music from black musicians (who lived in Paris to escape oppression), original FunikiJam songs, stories, and rhymes about Paris Culture, and clever adaptations of French folk songs like Free Jacques. Ages 2-7.

Cost: $10
Online: KidPass.com 2/9 - 3:30PM ET | KidPass.com 2/17 - 3:30PM ET | KidPass.com 2/26 - 3:30PM ET

Track Star Training with Anyika Onuora

Are you ready to train with an Olympian?

Anyika Onuora will take you through an exciting, virtual HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workout that includes a warmup, rest breaks, and a cool down. After the workout, she'll be sharing her journey in sport and what it took for her to achieve her dreams, including how she won my Olympic medal even after contracting Malaria ten months prior. Wrap up the session with a Q&A and you'll also see the shiny medals she won.

The FunikiJam Show Celebrates Black Musicians: MOTOR CITY MOTOWN Edition

Last year they were Off-broadway and On-tour with their own original musicals, but now you can dance, sing, play and learn with the FunikiJam cast in online programs that are part high-energy class and part interactive live show (a 2021 Best of NYC Music Class) .

This special edition features music from Motown Superstars like Diana Ross & the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and the Jackson 5 mixed with original FunikiJam songs, stories, and rhymes about transportation and construction. Ages 2-7.

Cost: $10
Online: KidPass.com 2/5 - 3:30PM ET | KidPass.com 2/10 - 3:30PM ET | KidPass.com 2/16 - 3:30PM ET | KidPass.com 2/25 - 3:30PM ET

Black History Month Read Aloud

In this class, your kiddo will get to listen to stories that celebrate Black History Month!

African American Women in STEM

This class will introduce your kiddo to 10 African American women pioneers in STEM.

Black History Month: Bessie Coleman

Get ready to learn about the first African American woman to become a licensed pilot and make paper airplanes.

-Taylor Clifton & Kate Loweth
RELATED STORIES 22 Black Heroes Your Kids Should Know By Name 21+ Places to Visit to Learn More about Black History Dear Parents, Black History Is American History 28 Black History Month Resources for Kids of All Ages

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if you are looking for virtual ways to teach kids about black history month

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this list is for you. they'll learn new things right at home.

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These 19 Virtual Classes Will Teach Your Kids about Black History

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Now more than ever, it's important for us all learn a little bit more about Black history. For Black History Month, kids can learn about important contributions by Black people in history, gain new skills from Black educators and creators, and tour some important historical landmarks from home.

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CBS Sunday Morning - The Kanneh-Masons The family that plays together

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Queen Bee got many awards.

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A People’s Journey, A Nation’s Story | National Museum of African American History and Culture

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Comic Book Series: BLACK SANDS #youngadultreaders Anime Fans #supportblackbusiness

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Comic Book Series: BLACK SANDS #youngadultreaders Anime Fans #supportblackbusiness

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Black Sands, the Seven Kingdoms, volume 1

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Amazon.com: Black Sands, the Seven Kingdoms, volume 1: 9780999473481: Godoy, Manuel Patricio, Lenormand, David: Books