Title
Honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion its 24th Annual African American Children's Book Fair and that February 6th is a continuation of its on-going National Literacy Initiative - Preserve a Legacy, Buy a Book.
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, During early American history, African Americans were not allowed to learn to read and have books; in some states the penalty for this infraction was death; and
WHEREAS, The importance of book fairs cannot be understated and for twenty three years the African American Children's Book Project has enhanced multi-cultural literacy in our City utilizing the joy of reading as a tool; and
WHEREAS, Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, the founder of The African American Children's Book Project created the book fair because she believes books open up a world of opportunities for children and after twenty four years, The African American Children's Book Fair is one of the oldest and largest single-day events for children's books in the country, with an average yearly attendance of more than 3,500. It features nationally known award winning and bestselling authors/illustrators, many of whom have won the prestigious American Library Association Coretta Scott King Award. These authors/illustrators have produced some of the best books of our generation; and
WHEREAS, One of the most important reasons to encourage reading in our children is that studies show that the children who read outside of their normal school course work tend to make more positive lifestyle decisions as they grow older; and
WHEREAS, Parents, caregivers and educators from the tristate area are very supportive of the African Ameri...
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