4 Books Published by House of Songhay II on AALBC — Book Cover Collage

Reparations on Fire explores the spread of the reparation movement’s multiple fronts, encompassing the local, national, and international arenas, much of it occurring between 2020-2022. This book exists because of both the promise and danger of this moment, and because of the rapidly spreading momentum across the country on the issue.

Reparations on Fire describes history-in-the-making. It combines a historical survey and commentary on the Reparations Movement in America while addressing how pioneering reparations legislation is being born and debated in city council chambers and statehouses nationwide. It is part historical analysis, part revolutionary manifesto, and part political red-alert.

Reparations on Fire brings additional value to the Reparations Movement as it goes about the necessary task of concretizing its goals and objectives and envisioning a future where Black freedom and joy can flourish. It describes how reparations went from being discussed in the radical margins of the Civil Rights Movement to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the General Assembly of the United Nations.

It outlines how unsung Black Power activists such as Queen Mother Moore and Imari Obadele set the foundations for reparations to be championed by U.S. Rep John Conyers and, later, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee in the Congress of the United States -- a fight that, as this book comes out, is still being waged as reparations activists ask President Biden to sign an executive order immediately bringing a federal reparations commission to study and develop reparations proposals into existence.

The quest for reparations is equal parts edgy, exciting, transformational, confrontational, messy and confusing. Reparations on Fire proves that we are now beyond rhetoric and well into action mode. Fire illuminates, purifies and brings warmth, but can also cause pain, damage and destruction. It can symbolize the eternal flame of hope, or signify ruin and demise. The spirit of reparations is sweeping the country like fire. Whether it heals or consumes depends on how America responds to its long overdue debt, and possibly portends the future of democracy, both domestic and global.

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

AYANNA, THE BEAUTIFUL FLOWER
The tale of how Anansi’s magic helped Ayanna get to the Harvest Festival, despite the fact that her two sisters failed to follow the Seven Principles of our New African value system.

A MARCUS GARVEY STORY
The tale of how a young brother growing up in New York City learned the story of the mighty Marcus Garvey.

JABARI’S INCREDIBLE JOURNEY
The tale of how Jabari gained wisdom through a proverb-rich journey filled with teachings from people and animals alike.

Build Excitement, Suspense, and Self-Esteem

Join Kojo and Ama and their pet, Sheba the Cat, as they learn about their history, hear about great people that came before them, and go on many adventures in these stories:

• Sheba the Ca
• Danger in the Park After Dark
• The Man with the Red, Black, and Green Cap Smoke and Flames
• Fun in the Sun
• Kings and Queens of the Nile
• Save the Land

This Africentric Primer for Young Readers also includes: Notes for the Parent and Teacher Questions and Activities for the Reader

Richly colored illustrations bring life to the stories in The Adventures of Kojo and Ama. These seven short stories include exercises that strengthen basic reading and comprehension skills. They also help educate learners about discrimination in society. They illustrate the importance of safety and caution while exploring values centered around purpose, pride, responsibility, self-esteem, and unity.

Master storyteller Nkechi Taifa resurrects and republishes her popular books for young people from over three decades ago as she brings her timeless wisdom for new generations to enjoy! Now in it’s 3r edition, The Adventures of Kojo and Ama was first published in 1992.

80 Pages with 51 full-color illustrations