Bookmarks event with Black authors aims to empower youth to tell their stories

The event is called “My Voice, My Story.”

It was dreamed up by Bookmarks, and the Winston-Salem chapter of Jack and Jill of America, which is a national organization created by African American mothers looking to give their children social, cultural and educational opportunities. 

This event does that, according to Nicole Johnson, community outreach and engagement director for Bookmarks.

“We're showcasing Black and brown literary artists in a way that allows children to hear some snippets from their stories, to take part in a writing workshop, to practice telling their story from the place where they come from, and to know that it's OK," Johnson said. "And it's something to be celebrated, and it's something to lean into, and it's something that you can do.”

The day will involve storytelling, art activities and a panel discussion with North Carolina-based authors Judy Allen Dodson and Jorge Redmond, who have both written books for children featuring diverse characters. 

Candice Brown, with Jack and Jill of America, says that kind of representation is important for young people to see. 

“My boys know what it looks like to have a book that looks like them. They'll say, 'Mommy, that looks like me, I'm this character because I'm in that book,' or 'I can be a president, because that character was in the book.' I want them to see all types of role models, so that that's not a question for them," Brown said. "And those weren't necessarily images that I saw coming up, so we should make that experience consistent for all children.”

After the panel, the authors will lead teens and tweens in a workshop that will not only help them with their writing skills, but also in finding their voice. 

Johnson says Bookmarks hopes to make this a yearly event, and to partner with more local organizations down the line to increase access to books in the community.  

The free event will be held at Hanesbrands Theatre on Feb. 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those interested in attending can register here.

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.