The 33rd Annual African American Children’s Book Fair Brings Together Literacy and Community

Child literacy and community care go hand in hand and nowhere was that more true than at the 33rd Annual African American Children’s Book Fair. Held on Saturday, February 1st, Black Joy was on full display at the Pennsylvania Convention Center event. From the Black authors to the kids happy to receive books and programming, it was beautiful to see.

Here is what you missed and how you can support.

Programming and Support

African American Children’s Book Fair is put on with the generous support of the community and several sponsors like Wells Fargo, Peco, and Community College of Philadelphia. There is no financial literacy without reading literacy. Putting books in kids’ hands ensures their futures are bright.

The day had a beautiful round-up of authors from all over the country in attendance. Ekua Holmes, Renee Watson, and Carole Weatherford were in attendance and were the recipients of the American Library Association. It’s the oldest liberty association and these authors were bestowed honors.

Black Books Are Not Going Anywhere

More than just a fun bookish event, more than a day, this event is a movement. For over 30 years, the event, headed by Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, has been dedicated heavily to children’s literacy. There is always a flood of requests from Black authors wanting to be a part of this day. Many adults grew up with the love of reading but many of them didn’t grow up with a slew of authors and stories that featured characters that looked like them. Representation matters.

Jamilah-Thompkins-Bigelow

Representation is exactly why Philly’s own, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, M. Ed started her journey with writing. She wanted to make sure “her children could see themselves.”

Her book, Salat in Secret is a beautiful story of community, family, and acceptance, a boy named Muhammad receives a special salat rug on his seventh birthday. Seven is the age when Muslim children are encouraged to pray, and Muhammad is determined to do all five daily prayers on time. But one salat occurs during the school day – and he's worried about being seen praying at school. His father parks his truck to worship in public places, and people stare at and mock him. Will the same thing happen to Muhammad?

Jamar Nichols

Another one of Philly’s own, Jamar Nicholas always shines with his series Leon. Leon struggles with a superego — and a super-secret! — in the second graphic novel in Jamar Nicholas’s action-packed, heartfelt, and joyously funny series. After saving his classmates from The Monocle, and now that he has access to tons of cool crime-fighting gadgets, Leon is the superhero his school needs. Jamar aims to promote anti-bullying, healing, and kindness in his work. He enjoys the 1980s, podcasting, video games, and spending time with his family and pets. His goal with writing was to “fill the gap” from his own childhood of not seeing Black book fairs and more that resonated with kids.

Seeing authors and community partners come together with stories that empower young people to see the strength and beauty that embodies them daily was truly inspiring. During the author roll call, it was great to get to know the authors, their books, and more. A few authors led story time which allowed each author to lead an engaging time directly with the kids present. Some chose a call-and-response while others were able to get the kids to talk about what the characters meant to them.

There were also special appearances from WDAS’s own, Patty Jackson, Frankie Durcell, Philadelphia City Council President, Kenyatta Johnson from the 2nd District, Majority Leader of the Philadelphia Council, Kathrine Gilmore Richardson, and so many more.

Not only did children leave with books for free, but many parents and caregivers were able to purchase books directly as well as interact with the authors present and more. There were resources for the adults too. From blood pressure screening to help and assistance with utility and even scholarship information for anyone seeking assistance with schooling outside of the public schools.

Overall, it was successful and a wonderful way to start Black History Month. To support literacy as well as supporting Black authors and illustrators, purchase their books. You can support directly the authors in attendance at the African American Children’s Book, and buy Black at many of the Black bookstores here in Philadelphia: Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse amalgamphilly.com 2578 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19125 215-427-3300 info.amalgamphilly@gmail.com Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Atomic Comics atomiccomics.com 638 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 215-625-9613 Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Hakim's Bookstore & Gift Shop hakimsbookstore.com 210 S 52nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19139 215-474-9495 info@HakimsBookstore.com Facebook | Instagram Harriett's Bookshop harriettsbookshop.com 258 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125 267-2412617 info@harriettsbookshop.com Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books unclebobbies.com 5445 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144215-403-7058 info@unclebobbies.com Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Kareemah's Urban Books kareemahsurbanbooks.com 2200 S 22nd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19145 267-242-0740 mathis.kareemah@yahoo.com Facebook | Instagram

Not from Philly, make sure that you do your research and find a Black-owned bookstore near you. Banned books become banned when we don’t buy and support our own.