2 Picture Books Celebrate the Poetry and Promise of Black Lives
In “Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter” and “The ABCs of Black History,” U is for Unfinished.
From “Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter.”Credit.Bobby C. Martin Jr.
By Jabari Asim
HAVE I EVER TOLD YOU BLACK LIVES MATTER
Written by Shani Mahiri King
Illustrated by Bobby C. Martin Jr.
THE ABCS OF BLACK HISTORY
Written by Rio Cortez
Illustrated by Lauren Semmer
The week I wrote this review, Kamala Harris became the first woman, first African-American and first Asian-American to take the oath of office as vice president of the United States. At the same event, Amanda Gorman, the nation’s first National Youth Poet Laureate, dazzled the world with her inaugural poem. Roughly two weeks before that, Bianca Smith joined the Red Sox organization, becoming the first Black woman hired to coach professional baseball. There will be more firsts before the sun sets on this day, and already Black authors a
performance of her poem, The Hill We Climb was one of the most memorable and moving moments of the
inauguration of U.S. President
Kamala Harris in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20. Fresh off the success of her speech, the 22-year-old National Youth Poet Laureate spoke with
Michelle Obama about the lead up to the day, her work and the impact of Black artists during this moment. During the insightful interview for
TIME, the women also talked about imposter syndrome and the frame of mind they re in ahead of speaking to large crowds. Amanda shared how she was feeling just before taking the stage to perform her poem The Hill We Climb.
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It’s safe to say that Amanda Gorman is having a moment. The 22-year-old National Youth Poet Laureate captivated people worldwide with an inspiring appearance at U.S. President Joe Biden’s January 20 inauguration ceremony. Clad in a marigold custom Prada coat and ruby satin headband and earrings gifted by one Oprah Winfrey, the young writer recited an original poem entitled “The Hill We Climb.” Shortly thereafter, the Harvard graduate signed a contract with IMG Models and now, she appears on the March cover of
Time Magazine wearing a sunny yellow creation by Canadian designers Greta Constantine, no less! (To make the cover even more compelling, Gorman converses with none other than former first lady Michelle Obama about art and identity in the accompanying feature.)