Happy #Juneteenth!

Two years ago, on June 19 2020, I  organized #kidlit4blacklivescanada, an online event which was in alliance with the original #kidlit4blacklives rally that took place in the US.  It was a chance to heal, grieve, and call to action and to commemorate #Juneteenth. 

The event gained 8, 000+ views and resulted in 3 book deals, offers of representation, and paid book reviewer opportunities for the 22 presenters. 

We had a Black-owned sign language company provide interpretation as well. @tslisto

I organized and hosted this event in less than 10 days with the support of @Groundwood Books, @the_fold, and @A Different Booklist Bookstore and Cultural Centre. 

Watch the video of the full event here: https://youtu.be/ajPy2uE9tNU 

Check out 2 new books that were published as a result of presentations, then contacts made at this event. They are out in 2022: 

- Where Do Your Feelings Live by Catherine Hernandez 

- Dear Black Child by Rahma Mohamed 

Presenting author Dr. Sarah Raughley is now a professor at  Lakehead University.

The presenters were: @nadialhohn_author @jaelrichardson @rahmarodaah @legshernandez @rabia_khokhar @mflowrites @ishtamercurio @sean_mauricette @sean.liburd @knowledgebookstore @authorangelotndongmo @skalibooks @sahlgood @kareativeinterlude  @robinstevensonwrites @zettaelliott @janicelynnmather @s_raughley
@adfrntbooklist @adifferentbooklist_ @ireadcanadian @canscaip @scbwi_canada_east @foldkids @bookflap @brownbookshelfteam  #kidcanlit #cankidlit #diversekidlit #diversecankidlit #diversekidcanlit #independentauthors #independentpublishing @blm_toronto @blm_toronto @harperkids @picturebookseh

​8 years ago today, I signed my contract for #MalaikasCostume, my first picture book.  This award-winning picture book is the first in my 4-book #Malaikaseries.

Thanks #SheilaBarry for believing 🙏🏾 in my story. You were a publisher with vision and a heart for diverse representation in children’s literature, especially in Canada.

May you rest in peace.