Our children need to be inspired and mentored by the hidden figures of their history, not television. Instead of just wanting to be like a football or basketball player or singer, they should also aspire to be like an African American inventor, scientist, artist, doctor, etc. However, they can’t inspire to be like someone they don’t know or have never even heard of. It is heartbreaking to ask a child to give you the name of an African American inventor or scientist, or ask if they’ve heard of Mae Jemison and they have no clue. Really, really sad.
I am stepping up to the plate with my children’s book series, Just Imagine…What If There Were No Black People in the World? about African American inventors, scientists and other notable African Americans. Along with the book, I’ve created a workbook with puzzles and quizzes, a coloring book and a journal. My goal is to make my Black History books fun and engaging. The first book in the series is Jaxon’s Magical Adventure with Black Inventors and Scientists. The first book will launch in September.
So, if not my book, any book. Just give them a book to read and read with them. Our history is rich with wonderful people from our past who were doing big things a long time ago. Struggling yes, but still moving forward.
Let’s give our children something to talk about. Let’s introduce them to people in American history they can relate to. Let’s share our history with all children and allow them to engage and learn about the contributions of African American to American History.
And by the way, I am running and Indiegogo Go! Go! Indiegogo campaign to raise funds for printing and marketing. I want to get the book into as many children’s hands that I can, along with libraries and schools. I would really appreciate your support in this endeavor.