Black Children’s Books and Authors (BCBA) launched our website on this day, June 19th, in 2015. Our primary goal for the website was to create a directory for those searching for children’s literature written by Black authors that mirror the images, experiences, history, and cultures of Black people from throughout the African Diaspora. The site would also, however, serve those seeking window books for diverse reading in home, classroom, and community spaces.
Subsequently, BCBA evolved into a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit in 2016. Our mission is to promote awareness of children’s and young adult literature by Black authors. In addition to our developing directory of traditional and indie authors and other web features, promoting awareness includes a vision to organize programs and events that engage children, families and the community in literacy activities.
BCBA chose June 19th as the date to launch our website because of the observance of Juneteenth, 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. Frederick Douglass, realizing the power of reading, believed, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”
And what’s even more empowering is when Black children see themselves reflected in stories written by Black authors. In a recent article, Angie Thomas, the author of The Hate U Give, said “Every time a black girl comes up to me and says, ‘Thank you. It’s the first time I’ve seen myself in a book like this’, that’s better than hitting the New York Times bestseller list.” Award-winning author, Renee Watson said, “Reading is how I learned to put myself in someone else’s shoes.”
Do you have any family or community Juneteenth traditions? Leave us a comment!
For fiction and nonfiction reading about Juneteenth, see the books listed. Please consider donating a gift to BCBA to support us in fulfilling our mission. Our stories matter.
Juneteenth Jamboree – Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrator – Yvonne Buchanan
Juneteenth for Mazie – Floyd Cooper
Freedom’s Gifts: A Juneteenth Story – Valerie Wilson Wesley, Illustrator – Sharon Wilson
All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom – Angela Johnson, Illustrator – E.B. Lewis
Juneteenth – Vaunda Micheaux Nelson & Drew Nelson, Illustrator – Mark Schroder
Juneteenth: Freedom Day – Muriel Miller Branch, Photographer – Willis Branch
JUNETEENTH: A Celebration of Freedom – Charles Taylor
