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Kweli’s 10th Annual Color of Children’s Literature Conference Highlights Community and Collaboration
The Kweli Color of Children’s Literature Conference celebrated its 10th anniversary in New York City from April 4 to 6, drawing together writers of color for a weekend rich in networking and collaboration. Hosted at the CUNY Graduate Center and Ballet Hispánico, the event welcomed around 175 participants who engaged in craft workshops and attended panels that covered a diverse range of topics—from adapting literary works for various age groups to navigating the complexities of life as a writer. “Community was this year’s conference theme,” said Laura Pegram, executive director of Kweli. “We celebrated community care, community love, and the power of our art and storytelling. Since community is often reflected through music, we infused songs throughout the weekend. The joy we shared continues to resonate in each of us long after the event.” Below are some of the highlights from this impactful gathering.
Guests enjoyed vibrant festivities at Ballet Hispánico on Sunday.
World-renowned opera singer and celebrity chef Alexander Smalls shared insights into his picture book When Alexander Graced the Table, co-authored with Denene Millner and illustrated by Frank Morrison.
Newbery Medalist Donna Barba Higuera led an engaging masterclass titled “Perfect Pitch: Discovering the Tools to Make Your Novel Sing,” where she provided valuable tips on novel writing.
Students participated actively in various masterclasses.
Traci N. Todd engaged with students in her presentation, “Writing Nonfiction for Children Through a Social Justice Lens.” She emphasized the importance of revealing truths to young readers, stating, “Mythologies start early. As writers for young children, it’s our responsibility to arm them with critical thinking tools.”
Professor John Jennings interacted with students during his panel discussion, “Full-Color Comics!: Creating Diverse Graphic Novels for Kids.”
Caldecott Medalists Cozbi A. Cabrera and Andrea L. Rogers discussed their expertise in storytelling during their panel, “The Narrative Arc in Picture Books.”
During the “Balancing Acts: When Life Be Lifeing” panel, author and actor Sheetal Sheth shared her personal journey.
Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich participated in an engaging craft talk, “Pages to Stages: Adaptation and Transformation.”
Brittany N. Williams talked with Omar Holman during the “Poet & Mid-Career Author” discussion, focusing on how collaboration has advanced her career.
Two-time Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly provided a thoughtful keynote address to cap off the Saturday sessions.
Authors Aida Salazar and JP Infante shared their experiences working together on Sing Me a Story: Short Stories in Verse by Latine Authors during the “Editor & Debut Author” panel.
Daniel José Older engaged with students at the discussion titled “Crisis Creates Us: Fire at the Crossroads of Art and Activism.”
London Ladd led a workshop on “Process in Picture Book Illustration,” helping attendees explore the creative process.
A guest browses the Word Up book sale table, highlighting the commitment to promoting diverse literature.
The conference concluded with a dance interpretation of Vashti Harrison’s acclaimed picture book Big, followed by a keynote conversation featuring both Harrison and Traci N. Todd.
Source
www.publishersweekly.com