Title
Honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of the 21st Annual African American Children's Book Fair.
Body
WHEREAS, In 1926, noted historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the study of Negro life and history announced the second week of February to be "Negro History Week"; and
WHEREAS, The 2nd week in February was chosen because of the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass; and
WHEREAS, The first black history month celebration occurred at Kent State in February 1970 and in 1976, the federal government acknowledged the expansion of Black History Week to Black History Month; and
WHEREAS, During early American history, African Americans were not allowed to learn to read and have books; and
WHEREAS, The importance of book fairs cannot be understated and for twenty one years the African American Children's Book Fair has enhanced multi-culturalism in our City utilizing the joy of reading as a tool; and
WHEREAS, Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati created the book fair because she believes books open up a world of opportunities for children and after twenty one years is one of the oldest and largest single day events for children's literacy in the City of Philadelphia and throughout the region; and
WHEREAS, One of the most important reasons to encourage reading in our children is that studies show that the more our youth read the more likely they are to make positive lifestyle decisions as they grow older; and
WHEREAS, Strictly judging by attendance the fair is a tremendous success as well over 4,500 people attended the Fair in past years; and
WHEREAS, Rich or poor, no one leaves empty handed as the books themselves are priced at a level where they are more affordable and posters, bookmarkers, and raffle books are distributed free of charge to attendees; and
WHEREAS, One of the esteemed attendees will be Renée Watson who is the author of Harlem's Little Blackbird: The Story of Florenc...
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