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 read...
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