Title
Honoring the African American Children’s Book Project on the Occasion of its 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair.
Body
WHEREAS, Founded in 1992, the African American Children's Book Project was created to promote and preserve children’s literature written by and about Black Americans. Their programs, including book fairs and signings, literary workshops, and I Read To See Me, highlight the importance of giving children access and choice to what they read to empower, enrich, and enlighten them, and their advocacy work promotes the rich history of Black Americans through literature; and
WHEREAS, The African American Children's Book Fair is regularly one of the oldest and largest single-day events for Black children's books in the country with an average yearly attendance of more than 3,500. It is the leading organization in the region bringing national award-winning authors and illustrators for children pre-k to young adult in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, the founder of the African American Children’s Book Project, is a nationally known literary consultant. She believes all children should have choice and access to books that reflect their images. Vanesse’s effort put Philadelphia on the literary map as an important destination for diverse children’s books; and
WHEREAS, The 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair will kick off a yearlong program “250 Years of Black Excellence as Seen Through the Lens of Black Children’s Books.” The program will showcase the rich history and contributions of Black people to the United States through children’s books. Over 40 literary creators from around the country will kick off the program; and
WHEREAS, Alice Faye Duncan has written 15 picture books, including Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop, Yellow Dog Blues, and Coretta’s Journey. Her book, Opal Lee and What It Means To Be Free, has sold 100,000 copies since January 2022. Alice specializes in writing for young readers about the American civil rights movement. Her new book, The Dream Builder’s Blueprint, is a about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s visit to South Philadelphia’s Barratt Junior High School in October 1967, when he gave Philadelphia students a "Blueprint to Prosper;” and
WHEREAS - Corporate partner Penn Medicine is one of the leading sponsors in the region championing literacy. Their work is lead by Ajeenah Amir and Laura Kim. Ajeenah Amir serves as Director of Civic Engagement and Community Partnerships for Penn Medicine, advancing the organization’s strategic priorities through collaboration with community-based organizations and civic leaders. Laura Kim serves as Associate Director of Community Relations, where she leads the Penn Medicine CAREs Grant program providing funding to community organizations that advance health and well-being and oversees volunteer initiatives that connect employees with service opportunities across Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, The free 2026 African American Children’s Book Fair will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from 1PM to 4PM; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors the African American Children’s Book Project on the occasion of its 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That Engrossed copies of this Resolution be presented to the African American Children’s Book Project, further evidencing the sincere respect of this legislative body.
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