“When a child opens a book and sees a face that looks like them, they know that they matter.”—Debbie Allen
Five years ago on June 19, 2015, Black Children’s Books and Authors (BCBA) launched this website with the sole mission of promoting awareness of children’s and young adult literature by Black authors. It’s been five years, we’re still here, and today the “Our stories matter” mantra that we have believed in and continuously emphasized for years, is as meaningful and empowering as ever. The decision to launch on Juneteenth—also called Freedom Day—was chosen because it is a “holiday that celebrates liberation from slavery and all its pernicious laws. Such laws included anti-literacy ordinances that prohibited the enslaved from reading—systematically designed to stunt intellectual growth, foster dependence, and perpetuate the myth of superiority.” Although chattel slavery was abolished, systemic racism is still obstinate in most facets of American society, including the publishing industry. The gatekeepers who determine the number of children’s books published by Black authors are mostly white. That means Black children, from toddlers to teens, do not see themselves represented in children’s literature in a diversity of ways that explore Black experiences.
Because of the historic Black Lives Matter protests and uprisings, there has been a groundswell of support for Black authors and the stories they write. Educators, librarians, and the general public—both on a professional and personal level—are seeking knowledge of our stories. BCBA has always known that “there is power in reading, attaining knowledge, and using that knowledge to inform our daily lives.” Renee Watson award-winning author and founder and executive director of I, Too Arts Collective said, “Reading is how I learned to put myself in someone else’s shoes.” Let’s hope that the current interest in stories by Black book creators is not a trend and will be a catalyst for the publishing industry to see what Black people have always known, that our stories matter.
We’re still here, growing, and celebrating Juneteenth! And while you’re here, take a look around. We welcome all comments, suggestions, and donations to help us continue to fulfill our mission.
For our 5th year, please consider giving one of the small amounts…$5, $5(monthly recurring), or a $60 one-time gift.
Thank you for encouraging us to keep promoting awareness of children’s and young adult literature by Black authors.
