Panel Discussion: Where are the People of Color in Children’s Books?
(l-r) Troy Johnson, Wade Hudson, Bernette Ford, Tonya Bolden, Regina Brooks, Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, Patrik Henry Bass, Harlyn Pacheco
Held During Book Expo America (BEA), Saturday, May 31, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Industry professionals shared their insight and knowledge of the state of African-American children’s books; their past, present and solutions for the future. The panel was moderated by Troy Johnson, Founder of The African American Literature Book Club (AALBC.com).
The audio of the panel discussion is provided below. The recording starts about 15 minutes into the discussion during Wade Hudson’s opening statement.
Read the Panel Transcript
Panelist’s Bios
Wade Hudson’s career as a writer spans more than three decades. In 1988, Hudson’s passion for writing and life-long mission to help foster positive self-images within the Black community, prompted him and his wife Cheryl to launch Just Us Books, the nation’s leading independent publisher of Black-interest books for young people. Wade currently serves as president and CEO. Wade has also written more than 25 books for young people. Read Wade Hudson’s presentation.
Bernette Ford founded COLOR-BRIDGE BOOKS, a packaging and consulting company, in January 2003, and has packaged a wide range of children’s books, all written and illustrated by people of color. Ford’s career begin in 1972 and covered a variety of roles including, VP/Associate Publisher at Grosset & Dunlap where she was the first African-American editor to hold that position at a major house. Bernette has also written many picture books for toddlers and children.
Regina Brooks is the founder and CEO of Serendipity Literary Agency and represents a diverse base of award-winning authors in children’s and young adult fiction. Her authors have received numerous accolades and honors including Coretta Scott King awards, a National Book Award finalist, and a Lambda Award Winner. She is the author of the children’s book, Never Finished! Never Done! and the award winning go-to book for MFA programs, Writing Great Books for Young Adults.
Tonya Bolden has authored, co-authored, or edited more than two dozen books for children and young adults. They include: The Champ: The Story of Muhammad Ali, Maritcha: A Nineteenth-Century American Girl, and her latest, Searching for Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl in America. Tonya has a great passion for American history and aims to make it come alive for our nation’s young people. It’s one of the ways she expresses her hope for the future.
Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati is the CEO of The Literary Media and Publishing Consultants. The Literary is a PR firm that specializes in publishing , they are consultant to authors, publishers and corporate entities interested in literacy. She is also the founder of The African American Children’s Book Project which produces the largest and oldest single day event the, African American Children’s Book Fair. In addition Vanesse is the cultural correspondent for WURD-AM radio in Philadelphia and a frequent contributor on the syndicated Bev Smith Show that broadcast in 30 major markets around the country.
Patrik Henry Bass is an award-winning writer and editor, with an extensive background in publishing covering books, history, lifestyle and popular culture. Bass currently serves as editorial projects director at Essence Magazine. He has played a significant role in the development of such recognizable editorial franchises including The Essence Book Club and the Essence Literary Awards. The Zero Degree Zombie Zone, his first children’s book, will be released on August 26, 2014 from Scholastic Press.
Harlyn Pacheco is CEO and Co-Founder of Qlovi. Qlovi creates digital reading experiences that accelerate literacy achievement for diverse kids. Using their interactive platform, Qlovi distributes eBooks to K-12 channels for 20 publishers, including HarperCollins. In 2013, Qlovi was named winners in the Gates Foundation Literacy Courseware Challenge, Echoing Green Fellowship, and HarperCollins BookSmash Challenge.
In Search of Diverse Book Buyers Panel Discussion at Book Expo America - May 28, 2015 - New York, NY
Last Updated: Monday, September 18, 2017