Shining Legacy: Storypoems for the Young, So Black Heroes and Heroines Forever Will Be Sung
by Nkechi Taifa

This new revised color edition of Shining Legacy comes 38 years after the original 1983 black and white publication. Shining Legacy showcases Black heroes and heroines that were under-represented in books for young people at the time, such as Denmark Vesey, who master-minded an elaborate rebellion to free enslaved people, and Joseph Cinque, who led a rebellion on a slave ship. The book highlights Paul Robeson and Marcus Garvey, and embraces the military genius Toussaint L’Ouverture. It also features enlightening storypoems highlighting freedom-fighting women — Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Rosa Parks. And the story of the hero pivotal to the author’s consciousness, Malcolm X. Through Shining Legacy Nkechi Taifa provides much-needed identity, purpose and direction for Black youth through original epics, ballads, sagas and tales depicting Black historical and cultural wealth; and poignant illustrations bring these freedom fighters of the past to life.

The author has maintained the endorsements from the original 1983 publication date:

Nkechi Taifa correctly perceives a great need for role models for Afro-American youth. Her book, Shining Legacy, commendably attempts to fulfill that need. In well-researched poems and tales, in clear and idiomatic language, she has celebrated role models ranging from Toussaint L’Ouverture to Paul Robeson, from Harriet Tubman to Fannie Lou Hamer. Aimed at a young audience, it still could benefit older readers. —Sterling A. Brown, Poet Laureate, Professor Emeritus, Howard University

New Creativity from a new author. Sounding an alarm for Unity, Love, Power! Read and be renewed. Welcome Nkechi to the circle of poets. — Sonia Sanchez, Author, Activist

Sister Nkechi has rendered us an excellent service by producing this valuable book for our children. During my many years of publishing, I’ve come across few books that speak to the needed roots of our people. These storypoems and tales are a necessity for those young people who are seriously trying to locate an anchor for their tomorrows. — Haki R. Madhubuti, Author, Publisher, Third World Press