Mychal Threets, known as Mychal the Librarian, has captivated social media with his passion for books and libraries, aiming to reignite a love for reading in everyone. In a serendipitous twist, Threets has joined forces with one of his beloved PBS characters, fostering excitement for learning once again. Now 34, reading and the library has […]
Gwendolyn Wallace’s children’s book Joy Takes Root is a thoughtful and beautiful ode to the natural world. It follows Joy, a young black girl, as she learns about herbal medicine and mindfulness through her grandmother’s wisdom passed down through generations. The synopsis reads: “It’s Joy’s first summer in her grandmother’s South Carolina garden—a rite of […]
In her latest book, “Imagine Freedom: Transforming Pain into Political and Spiritual Power,” esteemed journalist Rahiel Tesfamariam delves into the strategies available to Black Americans for advocating social justice while avoiding burnout, anxiety, and depression. Tesfamariam shared with ESSENCE that the idea of writing a book had been simmering within her for the past 18 […]
Throughout the country, the recent surge in bans targeting Black children’s books has raised significant concerns, but these bans cannot extinguish the resilience of communities. The approaching third annual Black Children’s Book Week, set to kick off on February 25th, represents a global movement uniting participants from Canada, Ghana, Austria, and across the United States. […]
To celebrate James Baldwin’s 100th birthday, Penguin Classics has unveiled a series of new releases and partnered with the Hay Festival. The year-long tribute to Baldwin’s legacy began with the launch of Penguin Classics’ “On the Road” podcast episode, which is hosted by Henry Eliot and centers on Baldwin’s novel Giovanni’s Room. The commemoration reaches […]
The recently released photography book “A World in Common” is a vibrant celebration of the rich visual and cultural landscape depicted through contemporary African photography.
“Black Voices,” researched and curated by Jessica Ann Mitchell Aiwuyor, is an anthology featuring a vivid mosaic of over 60 carefully chosen quotations that amplify the voices of revered historical icons alongside the compelling narratives of contemporary and lesser-known Black voices. Diving into the diverse perspectives within the Black experience, the book is a gateway […]
Dr. Constance Craig-Mason compiled an inventive literary project that is reshaping the financial landscape for BIPOC families and small business owners nationwide. The groundbreaking book, “Money TALK$: Uncut Convos with Financial Experts on How to Grow, Leverage and Protect Your Assets,” is authored by 24 accomplished Black financial thought-leaders, presenting a mosaic of financial education […]
Latoya Nicole is the successful owner of a prominent coloring book business that focuses on the importance of Black women’s mental health. As the author of nine books including her bestseller Exhale Self Care Coloring Book, she is also an advocate for increasing representation in publishing. “When I started publishing in 2018, only 11% of […]
The Urban Reader Bookstore, a Black-owned establishment in North Carolina, has reopened as a mobile store. Created by Sonya Spencer and previously located in Charlotte’s University City neighborhood, the bookstore encountered financial challenges that spurred Spencer to rethink its operational framework. Recognizing the impractical expenses tied to a fixed location, Spencer steered her business strategy […]