About this item
"...to be revisited again and again ... The candy-colored pages and straightforward stories are hard to resist ... " -The New York Times "...diverse collection of iconic figures ... vibrantly illustrated ... beautifully crafted volume ... " -Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review" ... exuberant ... exquisitely designed ... a launching point for more discoveries." -School Library Journal, Starred Review"A luminous and diverse tribute to black movers and shakers across the centuries." -Publishers Weekly Meet 52 icons of color from the past and present in this celebration of inspirational achievement - a collection of stories about changemakers to encourage, inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers. Jamia Wilson has carefully curated this range of black icons and the book is stylishly brought together by Andrea Pippins' colorful and celebratory illustrations. Written in the spirit of Nina Simone's song "To Be Young, Gifted, and Black," this vibrant book is a perfect introduction to both historic and present-day icons and heroes. Meet figureheads, leaders and pioneers such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parks, as well as cultural trailblazers and athletes like Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey and Serena Williams. All children deserve to see themselves represented positively in the books they read. Highlighting the talent and contributions of black leaders and changemakers from around the world, readers of all backgrounds will be empowered to discover what they too can achieve. Strong, courageous, talented and diverse, these extraordinary men and women's achievements will inspire a new generation to chase their dream ... whatever it may be.
About the Author
Bowie, Maryland, native Andrea Pippins studied at Temple University's Tyler School of Art, where she earned a B.F.A. in graphic design. She began her career as a graphic designer working for Hallmark Cards before transitioning to illustration work for cable television networks. After earning her M.F.A. at Temple, Pippins taught graphic design at both Stevenson University and the Maryland Institute College of Art. Since then, she has been working as an illustrator on projects for clients, including Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Bloomberg, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Pippins has also authored and illustrated several books, among them are I Love My Hair, a coloring book celebrating a variety of hairstyles and textures; Becoming Me, an interactive journal for young women; and We Inspire Me, a collection of essays and ideas to inspire the cultivation of a creative community. She is also the illustrator of Young Gifted and Black, Step Into Your Power, and Big Ideas for Young Thinkers.With a celebratory and bold visual style that utilizes vivid color, Pippins uses her work to propel her mission of empowering women and girls through creative expression. When she's not working, Pippins enjoys writing, cooking, dancing Samba, and drawing and painting with her son. Andrea lives in Stockholm, Sweden.Andrea Pippins elsewhere:portfolio: andreapippins.com instagram: @andreapippinstwitter: @andreagpippins
