BCALANEWS Black Caucus of the American Library Association Inc.
BCALA's Rose Dawson (right) stands with Librarian of Congress nominee Dr. Carla Hayden. Many of us in LIS are excited about Hayden potentially holding this post.
Read Dawson's reflections about this in this issue of BCALA News!
Spring 2016 | Volume 43 | Issue 2 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 | 3
Dear Members,
As I approach the scholarships. BCALA ‘s literary awards were enhanced by the final days of my addition of self-published e-books administration, I’d for fiction and poetry, and new sponsorship and financial support like to end as I started. from “Self-e” (a BiblioLabs and CONTENTS Library Journal partnership). BCALA First, I want to extend will give the first award during ALA Annual Orlando 2016 in honor of 04 News a heartfelt thank you our colleague Cynthia Hurd, who 14 Featured for all of the support was gunned down with eight other African Americans in a Charleston, 24 Op-Ed given to me personally SC. church.
and for your service Although there have been challenges, to BCALA. I have been steadfast and driven in my efforts to move BCALA forward. I also want to acknowledge and Some of the factors I have been recognize all who have made impacted by, as BCALA President and contributions to BCALA and the in my various roles at Queens Library positive impact you have had on our over the past few years include: Kelvin Watson, President, profession. Two years ago, I delivered living the realities of diversity or BCALA 2014 - 2016 a straightforward and direct vision the lack thereof in and outside the for our organization. It was my hope profession, access to technology, to invoke a thoughtful approach, with increasing digital literacy, serving our strategic plan to strengthen our a vision that was both achievable communities, and being empowered organization now and in the future. and measurable. to make change. Associated challenges remain. I remain committed to BCALA, our Let me share with you now some mission, our profession, and to you. of our achievements. We have I am confident that Vice-President/ Remember change will not come if successfully increased membership President Elect Davis will continue to we wait for others, or the right time. in all categories, executed a pursue efficiency, creativity and open We are the change that we seek and profitable 9th National Conference communication for our organization. the time is now. of African American Librarians with I know she shares my commitment Peace and blessings, the greatest level of fundraising for a stronger BCALA. She will to date, and continued awarding continue developing a new 6 BCALA’s Official Letter in Support of the Carla Hayden Nomination
7 Resolution of Respect For Valerie Denise Rowe Jackson
9 BCALA President Appointed Chief Operating Officer
10 BCALA Orlando/ALA Annual Meetings BCALA Hotel: Embassy Suites by Hilton/Jamaican Court June 23 – 28, 2016
12 Resolution of Respect For Andrew A. Venable Jr. NEWS N 6 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 | 7
BCALA’s Official Letter in Support of the Carla Hayden Nomination Resolution of Respect For By BCALA Leadership Valerie Denise Rowe Jackson
“I have built a monument more lasting than brass, loftier than the royal structures of the Pyramids…” Editor's note: The following is the American Indian American Library I hope we can count on you to Horace “Exegi Monumentum Aere Perennius,” Book III, Ode XXX text of BCALA's letter of support for Association, are the five ethnic affili- support Dr. Hayden. the nomination of Dr. Carla Hayden. ates to the American Library Associa- Peace and Blessings, This letter was distributed to several tion and whose members comprise Whereas, God, our loving Father, in the light of His wisdom, and in the magnitude of His power, has removed from outlets and is public. the JCLC. We advocate for our com- Kelvin Watson, BCALA President our profession and from our Chain of Friendship, a shining link in the name of our dearest sister, Valerie D. Rowe munities and support those profes- 2014-2016 Jackson, and added it to the Friendship Chain of His Kingdom; and sionals and paraprofessionals who are committed to libraries, serving Denyvetta Davis, BCALA VP/Presi- Whereas, Valerie D. Rowe Jackson, a steadfast I am writing to ask you to support communities of color, and informa- dent Elect 2014-2016 worker, friend, mentor, avid supporter, and a the nomination of Dr. Carla Hayden tion literacy. valuable member of the Black Caucus of the to be next Librarian of Congress. On Dr. Jerome Offord, Jr. BCALA Im- American Library Association, Inc. (BCALA), whose February 24, 2016, President Barack mediate Past President 2014-2016, As a member of The Black Caucus of departure we so deeply feel and whose life has been Obama nominated her to serve as the the American Library Association, President JCLC an example of Christian fortitude to her family, her Librarian of Congress. Dr. Hayden I strongly urge you to support her friends, her community, and her colleagues; and is currently the CEO of Enoch Pratt confirmation. Her confirmation is Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland, important to our community not only Whereas, Valerie D. Rowe Jackson lent her and was president of the American because we have the opportunity to gifts, for more than thirty-four years to the library Library Association (ALA) from 2003 place an excellent librarian in this profession, and to this nation, including twenty to 2004. important position, but as a creden- years at the Atlanta Fulton Public Library and tialed librarian, she represents one thirteen years at the Richland County Public The Joint Council of Librarians of of a very few opportunities for our Library System (South Carolina) where she served Color (JCLC), Inc., is a member or- community to be present at this level. ganization that combines the support as the director of customer and library experience, It is also important to our commu- and resources of North America’s dedicated to providing exemplary library services, nity, both how it operates and how it five historic membership organiza- building a network of strong partnerships and is perceived to operate, that individu- tions that support and advocate for friendships, promoting literacy and education for all als who have worked hard, played by libraries and library services in com- library patrons; and the rules, and are qualified, receive a munities of color. The Black Caucus fair chance just like others who may Whereas, Valerie D. Rowe Jackson further lent her professionalism and gifts to the American Library Association, of the American Library Association, be different from them. Dr. Carla the Public Library Association, the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc., the South Carolina Library REFORMA, Asian Pacific American Hayden has done everything it takes Association where she served on the Roundtable for African-American Concerns, the National Advisory Council for the Library Association, Chinese Ameri- to be qualified for the position of School of Library and Information Science at the University of South Carolina; and can Library Association, and the Librarian of Congress.
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Whereas, Valerie D. Rowe Jackson served as an active member of Turner Memorial A.M.E. Church (West Annie Marie Ford, (Retired, Chicago, Illinois), Treasurer Columbia, SC) where she served as church school superintendent and as a literacy tutor; she further lent her gifts to the Jerome Offord, Jr., (Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri), Immediate Past President Columbia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, the National Association of University Women, as a member of the Executive Board: Board of Directors of Growing Home Southeast, Inc. (providing services to youth and families in South Carolina and Richard Ashby (LiteracyNation Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) southern Alabama), and the NAACP; and Vivian Bordeaux (Bridgeport Public Library, Bridgeport, Connecticut) Whereas, the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc., the entire library profession, and Wanda K. Brown (Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina) communities throughout South Carolina and Alabama have sustained a great loss in the home going of Valerie D. Rowe Elizabeth Jean Brumfield (Prairie View A&M University, Houston, Texas) Tiffany A. Duck (Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, Louisa Branch, Louisa, Virginia) Jackson, therefore be it … Michele Fenton (Indiana State Library, Indianapolis, Indiana) Resolved, that we eulogize her memory by trying to bring into our own lives that excellence and professionalism, coupled Makiba Foster (Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri) with a sustained commitment to serving others that made her life a worthy pattern for our emulation, and that we Brian Hart, (Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Charlotte, North Carolina) earnestly try to live as purposely and unselfishly as did Valerie D. Rowe Jackson and be it further Andrew P. Jackson (Sekou Molefi Baako) (Langston Hughes Community Library & Cultural Center, Queens, New York) Sammie Johnson, (Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas) Resolved, that the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc., expresses its sincere sympathy to the Karen Lemmons (Detroit School of Arts, Detroit, Michigan) family of Valerie D. Rowe Jackson, that we place a copy of this resolution in the permanent archives of the Black Caucus Kirby McCurtis (Multnomah County Library, Portland, Oregon) of the American Library Association, Inc., and that we also send a copy of this resolution to the members of Valerie Kim McNeil-Capers, (Queens Library, Queens, New York) D. Rowe Jackson’s family and to the Richland County Public Library System in order to show to her loved ones and Eboni Njoku, (District of Columbia Public Library, Washington, District of Columbia) colleagues the high esteem in which we hold her life and her memory Monya Tomlinson (Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center, Atlanta, Georgia)
“One by one the links are severed History Committee from the golden chain of life; Sibyl E. Moses, Ph.D. (Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia), Chair One by one our order’s forming In the Father’s House above. Let our deeds be pure and noble May our lives be not in vain So that when the links are welded Complete again will be the chain.”
Respectfully submitted, BCALA President Appointed The Officers and Members of The Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc. Chief Operating Officer Kelvin A. Watson By BCALA Publications Committee Kelvin A. Watson, President Queens, New York April 5, 2016 BCALA president Kelvin Watson has been appointed the chief operating officer and senior vice president of Queens Li- brary. Watson, who is preparing to wrap up a two-year term as BCALA president, was previously interim chief operating Officers: officer at Queens Library. BCALA congratulates Watson on this achievement. More information about Queens Library is Kelvin A. Watson, (Queens Library, Queens, New York), President available at www.queenslibrary.org. Denyvetta Davis, (Retired, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) Vice President Diane Covington, (Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), Secretary 10 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 | 11
LITA President’s Program: “Toward Ethic of Social Justice Information” ** - OCCC W109B Saturday, June 26, 2016 BCALA Orlando/ALA Annual Meetings 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. BCALA Hotel: Embassy Suites by Hilton/Jamaican Court June 23 – 28, 2016 Celebrating Diversity: The Brown Bookshelf Salutes Great Books for Kids* - HYATT/Bayhill 19 Saturday, June 25, 2016 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Meeting locations: FAMU – Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, HILTON – Hilton Orlando, HYATT – Hyatt Regency Orlando, OCCC – Orange County Convention Center Coretta Scott King Book Awards Breakfast** - OCCC WA4 Sunday, June 26, 2016 BCALA Executive Board Retreat – EMBASSY SUITES Jamaican Court/Panther Room 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 23, 2016 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. BCALA Professional Development/Recruitment Committee – HYATT/Celebration 14 Sunday, June 26, 2016 BCALA Executive Board Meeting – HYATT/Bayhill 28 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 24, 2016 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. BCALA President's Program – Legal Resources Libraries/Librarians Need to Support Their Communities* - HYATT/Barrel Springs I Dr. E. J. Josey Scholarship Committee Meeting – HYATT/Coral Springs I Sunday, June 26, 2016 Friday, June 24, 2016 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ALA Awards (Ernest A. DiMattia, Jr. Award – President Watson) – OCCC Chapin Theater W320 BCALA International Relations Committee Meeting – HILTON/Conway Lake Sunday, June 26, 2016 Friday, June 24, 2016 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Now Showing @ ALA Film** – (Video Round Table) BCALA Professional Development/Recruitment Committee Meeting – HYATT/Challenger 38 “3 ½ Minutes, 10 Bullets” – Sunday, June 26, 2016, 1:30 p.m. – OCCC 207C Saturday, June 25, 2016 Post Screening Discussion and Q & A – Sunday, June 26, 2016, 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – OCCC 207B 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. BCALA Literary Awards and General Membership Meeting – HYATT/Barrel Springs I Diverse and Inclusive Metadata: Developing Cultural Competencies in Descriptive Practices (ALCTS Sunday, June 26, 2016 Program) ** - OCCC/W222A 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday, June 25, 2016 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Jean E. Coleman Memorial Library Outreach Lecture – OCCC W206A Monday, June 27, 2016 BCALA Affiliates Committee Meeting – HYATT/Celebration 06 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2016 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lawyers in Libraries: Alternative JD Careers** - FAMU College of Law, Room 263 Monday, June 27, 2016 NCAAL X Conference Planning Committee/Team Meeting – HYATT/Bayhill 20 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25, 2016 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. *BCALA Sponsored Programs – Members attendance requested BCALA Membership Committee Meeting – HYATT/Challenger 42 **BCALA Co-Sponsored Programs – Members attendance encouraged Saturday, June 25, 2016 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 12 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 | 13
high esteem in which we hold his life and his memory.
Resolution of Respect For “One by one the links are severed from the golden chain of life; One by one our order’s forming Andrew A. Venable Jr. In the Father’s House above. Let our deeds be pure and noble “I have built a monument more lasting than brass, loftier than the royal structures of the Pyramids…” May our lives be not in vain Horace “Exegi Monumentum Aere Perennius,” Book III, Ode XXX So that when the links are welded Complete again will be the chain.”
Whereas, God, our loving Father, in the light of His wisdom, and in the magnitude Respectfully submitted, of His power, has removed from our profession and from our Chain of Friendship, a shining link in the name of our dearest brother, Andrew A. Venable Jr. and added The Officers and Members of The Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc. it to the Friendship Chain of His Kingdom; and Kelvin A. Watson Whereas, Andrew A. Venable Jr., a visionary leader, a self-described “library evan- gelist,” an activist library administrator, a beloved colleague, mentor, and friend, and Kelvin A. Watson, President a long time valuable member of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Queens, New York Inc. (BCALA) and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., whose departure we so deeply May 13, 2016
feel and whose life has been an example of Christian fortitude to his family, his friends, Officers: his colleagues, and his community; and Kelvin A. Watson, (Queens Library, Queens, New York), President Whereas, Andrew A. Venable Jr. lent his gifts for more than thirty-eight years Denyvetta Davis, (Retired, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) Vice President to the library profession and to this nation, envisioning the public library as “The Diane Covington, (Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), Secretary People’s University,” including nine years as the first African-American Director of Annie Marie Ford, (Retired, Chicago, Illinois), Treasurer the Cleveland Public Library, two years as its Deputy Director, Deputy Director of the Jerome Offord, Jr., (Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri), Immediate Past President District of Columbia Public Library, Director of the Gary Public Library, and Director Executive Board: of the East Cleveland Public Library; and Richard Ashby (LiteracyNation Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) Whereas, Andrew A. Venable Jr. further lent his professionalism and gifts to the Vivian Bordeaux (Bridgeport Public Library, Bridgeport, Connecticut) American Library Association, the Black Caucus of the American Library Wanda K. Brown (Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina) Association, Inc., the Urban Libraries Council, and the Ohio Library Council, and he received many honors such as the Elizabeth Jean Brumfield (Prairie View A&M University, Houston, Texas) 2001 Ohio Librarian of the Year Award, the 2001 Louis Stokes Champion of Literacy Award, and the 2007 Rainey Institute Tiffany A. Duck (Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, Louisa Branch, Louisa, Virginia) Glissando IV Award for promoting free access to the arts in Cleveland, Ohio; and Michele Fenton (Indiana State Library, Indianapolis, Indiana) Whereas, the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc., the entire library profession, and commu- Makiba Foster (Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri) nities throughout Ohio, Indiana, the District of Columbia, and his home state of Virginia, have sustained a great loss in the Brian Hart, (Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Charlotte, North Carolina) home going of Andrew A. Venable Jr., therefore be it … Andrew P. Jackson (Sekou Molefi Baako) (Langston Hughes Community Library & Cultural Center, Queens, New York) Sammie Johnson, (Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas) Resolved, that we eulogize his memory by striving to achieve in our own lives that excellence and professionalism, coupled Karen Lemmons (Detroit School of Arts, Detroit, Michigan) with a sustained commitment to serving others that made this wayshower worthy of our emulation and that we earnestly Kirby McCurtis (Multnomah County Library, Portland, Oregon) try to live as purposely and unselfishly as did Andrew A. Venable Jr.; and be it further . . . Kim McNeil-Capers, (Queens Library, Queens, New York) Resolved, that the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc., expresses its sincere sympathy to the Eboni Njoku, (District of Columbia Public Library, Washington, District of Columbia) family of Andrew A. Venable Jr. by placing a copy of this resolution in the permanent archives of the Black Caucus Monya Tomlinson (Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center, Atlanta, Georgia) of the American Library Association, Inc., sending a copy of the resolution to the members of the Andrew A. Ven- History Committee able Jr. family, and sending a copy to the Cleveland Public Library in order to show to his loved ones and colleagues the Sibyl E. Moses, Ph.D. (Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia), Chair 16 Dawes to Lead U of Delaware Libraries and Museums
17 Learn About the Coretta Scott King Book Awards
18 BCALA-FAMU Law program during week of ALA Conference 2016
19 Andrew Jackson to Deliver Outreach Lecture at ALA
21 Sixth Annual James Weldon Johnson Literacy Festival FEATURED 22 Quinby Street Resource Center, Schools and Juvenile Justice Center Selected to Receive 2016 Coretta Scott King Book Donation Grants F 16 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 | 17
He will oversee the university communication, and collections Dawes is a graduate of Columbia Dawes to Lead U of Delaware libraries, including the flagship and acquisitions. University, with a bachelor’s degree Morris Library, as well as the in sociology, and also has master’s Dawes has written and presented Libraries and Museums University of Delaware Press degrees from both the Columbia extensively on libraries, and is and University Museums, which University Teachers College, in By University of Delaware active in library and information includes the Old College and educational administration and services professional organizations. Mechanical Hall art galleries and educational leadership, and Rutgers A member of the American Library Trevor A. Dawes of Washington Incoming UD President Dennis and made the decision to come the Mineralogical Museum University, in library sciences. Association, he was elected a University in St. Louis has been Assanis said, "Trevor Dawes has the to UD an easy one,” Dawes said. in Penny Hall. member of the ALA Council, serving Dawes was selected following named May Morris Librarian vision, energy and drive to inspire “The collections and services that At Washington University, Dawes through 2018. He is past president a national search. The search and vice provost for libraries and learning, scholarly inquiry, cultural we provide through the libraries, has provided leadership, direction of the Association of College and committee was chaired by George museums at the University of and artistic interactions and service museums and press are designed and guidance for scholarly services, Research Libraries. Watson, dean of the College of Arts Delaware. Dawes, who has been in an environment dedicated to to inspire and enrich our scholars, diversity and outreach, scholarly and Sciences associate university librarian at the open exchange of ideas and and I look forward to working with Washington University since 2013, information. Under his direction, colleagues from all across campus will take the position effective the University's libraries, museums to ensure the continued success of July 1. This was announced by and press will continue to meet the all our community members.” University of Delaware provost changing needs and interests of Dawes added, “I appreciate Domenico Grasso. our students, our faculty and our very much the University’s deep community. I look forward to having Learn About the Coretta Scott “Trevor A. Dawes brings a wealth history of collaboration with him on our leadership team." of experience to the University of the community and welcome King Book Awards Delaware,” Grasso said. “He has a the opportunity to further those By Dr. Claudette S. McLinn distinguished record of professional initiatives through the work of the leadership, service and publication libraries, museums, and press.” that makes him an excellent Dawes will report to the provost Editor's note: The following is an Coretta Scott King (CSK) Book Awards award-winning books and will discuss choice to shape the future of the and will work closely with announcement about an ALA 2016 are the first and oldest of the ALA how to be a part of the CSK Book university's libraries, museums and administration, faculty and students program from a BCALA member. All awards to recognize/honor diverse Award jury. Attendees will be invited press — key assets that lie at the to provide leadership and resources are encouraged to attend. books. This session will entail the to share their ideas and experiences. heart of our campus. that enhance research, learning and many accomplishments and resources Saturday, June 25, 2016, 3:00 pm "My special thanks go to Sandra service at the University. of the CSK Book Awards Committee. – 4:00 pm, Room: W101A, OCCC Millard for her leadership as Everything You Want to Know The hour will feature the utilization of All of these efforts are aligned (Orange County Convention Center) interim vice provost and to the About the Coretta Scott King CSK websites, study guides, publi- “I am absolutely delighted to be in response to the rapidly changing search committee, chaired by Dean Book Awards Committee: The cations, book grant programs, and joining the University of Delaware and information-driven academic George Watson, for its work in this family. Everyone with whom I environment and help promote national search," Grasso added. interacted during my campus the global visibility of visit was so warm and welcoming university programs. 18 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 | 19
BCALA-FAMU Law program Speakers: Andrew Jackson, Executive during week of ALA Director, Queens Library's Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center and Past President Moderator: Conference 2016 of BCALA By Jasmine Simmons, FAMU College of Law Library Linda Barrette Due to the lack of diversity in definitely a challenging, yet reward- among all Florida law schools for Acquisitions Librarian/Digital librarianship, the BCALA Recruit- ing career path to choose. the passage rate on the February Resources Coordinator at FAMU ment & Professional Development 2016 Florida Bar Exam. Florida A&M University College of Law committee has joined forces with College of Law Background BCALA-FAMU Law the Florida A&M University Col- Program Details lege of Law Library in an effort to Florida A&M University College Jasmine Simmons encourage law students to consider of Law (FAMU College of Law) is The FAMU College of Law library Yolanda Jones obtaining an MLIS/MLS degree an ABA-accredited law school in invites all to join library staff and Library Director at FAMU MLIS Candidate and Library and pursuing careers in law and Orlando, FL that was established in members of BCALA and AALL College of Law Technical Assistant at FAMU academic libraries; specifically 1949. It is part of Florida A&M Uni- for a panel discussion on library College of Law discussing opportunities in law versity, which is located in Talla- and information science career librarianship. BCALA Recruit- hassee, FL. Florida A&M University opportunities. Discover how you Sharron Cunningham ment & Professional Development College of Law has a well diverse can combine your law degree committee’s mission is to educate, student body that is 79 percent eth- to accept positions in the more FAMU College of Law Alum, MLIS and ultimately, recruit minority nic minority and 54 percent women. general field of L.I.S. This is a Candidate and Library Technical law students into the field of law Helping to enrich a law school com- great opportunity for learning Assistant at FAMU College of Law librarianship, as they are needed munity where intellectual freedom and exploring alternative career in all parts of the country as well and self-discovery is indubitably en- options that look for candidates as in many types of law libraries couraged has made a major impact with a JD degree. Non- law students Andrew Jackson to Deliver and in different library specialties. on 1,000 (and counting) lawyers are also welcomed to learn more Most importantly, this program and leaders since FAMU College of about career options in library and Outreach Lecture at ALA will spark an alternative career Law reopened its doors in 2002. information science. By John L. Amundsen, ALA choice for those who do not wish to practice in law but would rather In the past five years, FAMU Col- Location: FAMU College of Law, lege of Law has produced more Room #263 deal with law in a different aspect. Andrew P. Jackson (Sekou Molefi ALA’s annual conference in Orlan- Jackson was selected by the ALA We want law students to know that African-American lawyers than Date: Monday, June 27th, 2016 Baako), director emeritus of Queens do, FL. The lecture will take place Office for Diversity, Literacy, every other Florida law school com- law librarianship can provide them Library’s Langston Hughes Com- from 8:30 - 10 a.m. on Monday, and Outreach Services Advisory bined. Also, just earlier this year, Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m. with a comfortable living and it is munity and Cultural Center, will June 27 in room W206A in the Or- Committee in recognition of over 35 FAMU College of Law ranked fourth deliver the 2016 Jean E. Coleman ange County Convention Center. years of service and a long record Library Outreach Lecture during 20 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 | 21
of commitment to the Queens alumnus” of both of his alma maters, ALA Office for Literacy and Outreach community as executive director of CUNY – Queens College Graduate Services (now the Office for Diversity, Sixth Annual James Weldon the Langston Hughes Community School of Library and Information Literacy, and Outreach Services) Library and Cultural Center Science, where he earned his MLS for her leadership in focusing the Johnson Literacy Festival and his leadership in the library degree, and CUNY-York College, Association's attention on issues By Kevin Johnson profession through many years of where he received a bachelor of affecting traditionally underserved active participation in the American science in business administration. and underrepresented people in Library Association, BCALA, and On Saturday, March 4, 2016 The ties throughout the day for the whole serve in many capacities, his leadership as an adjunct lecturer at CUNY Friends of the Johnson Branch Com- family. Activities include venders from skills and chairing the literacy festival York College and Queens College munity Library Inc., held their sixth businesses and nonprofits, children's from its beginning. Graduate School of Library and annual "James Weldon Johnson Lit- book giveaways, inflatables, and a Hulu The highlight of the day was the "Walk Information Science (GSLIS). eracy Festival”. It was held in the park hoop contest for adults and children. For Reading" annual activity where area behind the Enoch Davis Center Government officials such as St. Pe- Friends, parents, children, and com- Jackson is a past-president of and James Weldon Johnson Commu- tersburg deputy mayor Kanika Toma- munity members walk through the BCALA and serves as co-chair of nity Library (1059 18th Ave. South, St. lin, and city council persons Karl Nurse neighborhood surrounding the Library ALA’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Petersburg, FL). The Library is a part and Steve Kornell were in attendance. to promote literacy in the community. Sunrise Celebration and a member of the City of St. Petersburg Library A presentation was given on the behalf of the ALA Task Force on Equity, System, the lead sponsor of the event. The Friends of The Johnson of Masonic Lodge 109 which is where Diversity and Inclusion. He also Community Library Inc., was formed the library was first housed when it serves as chair of the Queens after a petition drive to save the library opened in 1947. The Phi Beta Sigma Borough President’s African in the spring of 1990. Fifteen hundred Fraternity provided a presentation American Heritage Planning signatures were collected and the In recognition of his commitment to on the behalf of their late fraternity Committee and is a member of the libraries. For more information, library was saved and remains open. Black history and culture, Andrew brother James Weldon Johnson. Queens Poet Laureate Committee. please visit www.alaannual.org. The friends had a larger goal which was was given five African names - Sekou- Performances were provided by the the construction of a new library. In Known for his extensive outreach to Warrior, Molefi-He Keeps tradition, The Jean E. Coleman Library Lakewood High School jazz ensemble; 2002 the Friends’ dream was realized schools, libraries, civic organizations, Baako-first born, Bhekizizwe-Take Outreach Lecture is open to all James Alderman, Frankie Beverly when a new library was constructed cultural institutions, correctional care of your people, Orbai-Teacher. Annual Conference attendees. Impersonator; Marques Clark, spoken next to the Enoch Davis Center (a facilities, churches and colleges, This year’s event is coordinated by word poet; St. Petersburg Police A U.S. Air Force veteran (1964-1968), local recreation center). The James Jackson shares his knowledge and the Office for Diversity, Literacy Department K - 9 unit; Say La, spoken Weldon Johnson Community Library Jackson received The Bronze Star The purpose of the festival is promoting experience as a library consultant/ and Outreach Services Advisory word poet, and the main library houses a teen room, computer lab, and Medal for his service with 4th Air the James Weldon Johnson Com- advisor and mentors graduate Committee: Mimi Lee, Chair; Nancy puppeteers provided a puppet show. meeting rooms. In addition the Friends Commando Squadron in Vietnam munity Library and celebrate the life students and new librarians across L. Baumann, Jane Cronkhite, Heidi Shabazz Rogers, Friends member, did cosponsor a "Math, Spelling, and a and was honorably discharged as of James Weldon Johnson. He was the country. He has received M. Daniel, kYmberly Keeton, Sam a bucket drum circle with the children, Geography Bee." staff sergeant. He was inducted into the first African American to pass the numerous awards and honors Leif, Kerri Rosalia, Vikki C. Terrile, and the St. Marks Missionary Baptist the New York State Senate Veterans Florida bar exam, and the lyrist who For more information about the James for community service, activism, Jacqueline Welsh, Lizz Zitron, Amy Church mimes team performed. Hall of Fame. wrote the words to "Lift Every Voice Weldon Johnson Literacy outreach, librarianship, leadership, Laughlin (Intern), and Rebecca and Sing." The song later became The annual Community Service Award mentoring, professional achievement The lecture series honors Dr. Jean Marrall (Intern). Festival, contact Friends vice - presi- recognized as the "Negro National was presented to Kevin W. Johnson, and advocacy and is a “distinguished E. Coleman, the first director of the dent, BCALA member Mr. Kevin W. Anthem." The James Weldon Johnson long time vice - president of the Johnson ( Telephone: 727 - 342 - 2235, Festival emphasizes that literacy begins Friends, for being one of the founding Email [email protected], in the family. This event has activi- members and for his willingness to Website www.fojbl.com ) 22 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 | 23
the 2016 African American Read-In, placement of delinquent youth in read-aloud sessions and weekly Quinby Street Resource Center, Gail Muhammad, retired teacher, Oklahoma County. OCJJC has made tutoring sessions, a civil rights unit read football coach Tony Dungy’s great strides in the development of a and a Read-to-Self program. The titles Schools and Juvenile Justice inspiration story, “You Can Do It!” library collection to serve the needs from the grant will provide Muncie P3 Youth, who initially thought a zucchini of the youth being detained in the with quality books that reflect the lives Center Selected to Receive was a large cucumber, were delighted OCJJC, but still lacks relevant and and the culture of the students to taste zucchini bread. The youth current materials that have been it serves. took zucchini bread recipes home, selected specifically for the residents The library at Ross Beatty Junior/ 2016 Coretta Scott King Book where parents made this new treat. of the facility. The residents do not Senior High School in Cassopolis, have access to the most relevant Barksdale-Hall dispenses lessons MI serves an impoverished, largely Donation Grants and inviting titles that speak to their in character development through rural population. Almost 40 percent interests, desires and imaginations. By Roland Barksdale-Hall, Quinby Street Resource Center storytelling. In a recent program he of the student body is identified The Coretta Scott King Book Awards presents to more than 400 youth as minority, the majority African- donation grant has the potential about their social responsibility American. While the library is much The Quinby Street Resource Center in originally submitted for consideration live below the poverty level. To meet to reduce the rates of recidivism of at Stambaugh Charter Academy loved and well-used, school funding Sharon, Penn., the Oklahoma County for the Coretta Scott King Book the needs of MCHA residents, Quinby the youth in Oklahoma County by in Youngstown, OH. Young males issues have prevented the purchase of Juvenile Justice Center in Oklahoma Awards to organizations and schools Street’s library collection consists providing access to relevant and slap him on his back “well done” new materials that are relevant to the City, OK, Ross Beatty Junior/Senior in need across the country. The of 4,000 books and 100 multimedia compelling materials that inspire upon completion. He discusses the community. By receiving young adult High School in Cassopolis, MI and the libraries are selected from a field of materials along with six computers them to become active and productive programming and extensive outreach titles through the CSK Book Donation Muncie P3 Program in Muncie, IN applicants that demonstrate need and and a multiservice meeting room. members of society. in his chapters, “Collaboration Fits the Grant, the library will be able to have been selected to receive the potential benefit from receiving the The facility offers community-based Bill for Best Practices in Programming The book donation grant jury split the supply Beatty students with stories 2016 Coretta Scott King Book collection; for this year, the committee programming, including after- to Public Housing Residents” remaining award between two school- and characters that they can relate to Donation Grants. split one of the three available school tutoring, teen programming appearing in the anthology, Library’s based programs serving children and and identify with. awards between two organizations that reaches more than 100 young Role in Supporting Financial young adults. that serve children and young adults people a month. The collection The Coretta Scott King Book Awards Literacy for Patrons (Rowman respectively. All winners will receive supports MCHA Resident Services The Muncie P3 program serves 80 are presented annually by the Coretta & Littlefield Publishers, 2016) copies of titles submitted to the 2016 department’s mission of “Changing students from kindergarten through Scott King Book Awards Committee and “Librarian Writer Supports Coretta Scott King Book Awards, Lives Building Brighter Tomorrows.” third grade who attend Longfellow of the American Library Association’s Courageous Conversation, Critical including a full set of the year’s winner Elementary School in Muncie, IN. Ethnic and Multicultural Information The materials from the book donation Multiculturalism and Communal and honor books. Longfellow serves Muncie’s Whitely Exchange Round Table (EMIERT) grant will support the extensive in- Networks,” in Library Outreach community, which is 75 percent to encourage the artistic expression BCALA member Roland Barksdale- house and outreach programming to Writers and Poets: Interviews African American. Ninety-four percent of the African-American experience Hall is library director of the Quinby at the Quinby Street Resource and Case Studies (McFarland and of Longfellow’s African American through literature and the graphic Street Resource Center. The Quinby Center, which targets youth and Company, forthcoming). students receive free or reduced lunch. arts. To learn more about the Coretta Street Resources Center serves Mercer their families in the community. Picture from the Things from Our Garden program The Oklahoma County Juvenile Muncie P3 will receive children’s titles Scott King Book Donation Grant, County Housing Authority residents Programming highlights include the Justice Center (OCJJC) is an 80- through the grant program, which please visit www.ala.org/csk. Awarded each spring by the Coretta in Western Pennsylvania, a region African American Read-In, nutrition- bed facility in Oklahoma City, OK, will be made available for students Scott King Book Awards Committee, hard hit by industrial decline since the based Things from Our Garden and used for the short-term secure to browse after school, used in daily the grant program donates books 1970s, where two out of ten residents Storytelling Extravaganza. During 26 Book Review: Freedom Road: An American Family Saga from Jamestown to World War
27 Navigating Around Ideologues in Black Discourse: Takeaways from Speaking to Marc Lamont Hill
30 Book Review: Bad Hair Does Not Exist! = ¡Pelo Malo No Existe! 32 Reflections About Logbooks OP-ED 34 Personal Perspective on the Library of Congress Confirmation Hearings
35 Youth Corner: A Booklist You Can't Miss O 26 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 | 27
Book Review: Freedom Road: Navigating Around An American Family Saga from Ideologues in Black Discourse: Jamestown to World War Takeaways from Speaking to Marc by Ric Murphy Lamont Hill By Michele T. Fenton, Indiana State Library By Jason Alston, University of South Carolina
Freedom Road: An American Family Murphy begins his book with the his- and honor. One family member, I apologize in advance as this column everyone off some of the time you’re ideologues that you want to cater to Saga from Jamestown to World tory of the African slave trade and the Lieutenant Colonel Leo Gray, was a is going to be largely a collection probably doing something right. and then you avoid departing from War by Ric Murphy is an inspiring colonization of America; and how the Tuskegee Airmen. Another family of jumbled thoughts and not have the script that you know melts their and well-written historical and Cornwall and Murphy families were a member, Philip Cornwall, was an This is in sharp contrast to how I feel the polish that I tend to strive for. hearts. It has little to do with being genealogical tracing of his ancestors, part of this history. He details the Na- inventor who worked with about two Black public voices that I’ve But this is really a testament to the an advocate for the truth and much the Cornwall and Murphy families. tive American, European, and African Thomas Edison. seen Hill go up against either on social brilliance and integrity of Dr. Marc to do with spinning or omitting origins of both families, and the hard- media or on CNN: Larry Elder and Dr. At the end of his book, Murphy ships and triumphs they experienced Lamont Hill, one of my favorite information to the point where what provides an extensive bibliography Boyce Watkins. Elder and Watkins as people of color navigating through contemporary Black public intel- you’re left with is a whittled perspec- of very valuable and important have gone up against Hill from drasti- life in a land that judged them based lectuals. I have long observed Hill in tive that the base appreciates as brave genealogical and historical sources cally different convictions. Elder is a on the color of their skin instead of the media and on social media, and I and edgy. Elder never ticks off his of information used in researching Black conservative who really seems their character and contributions to also had a chance to speak with him loyal base and eagerly awaits another his ancestral origins including Paul to be loved and adored by the white society which are many. briefly during his visit to the Univer- “Attaboy” and pat of his nappy head. Republican audiences he writes for; Heinegg’s Free African Americans of sity of South Carolina this past April. Watkins knows that nothing he says he’s the guy that Boondocks creator Reading through several of Freedom Virginia, North Carolina, and South will ever get even the most hoteppy, Let me first share my thoughts on Aaron McGruder I think accurately Road’s chapters, one can see two Carolina from the Colonial Period wannabe Black radical to call him families of strong, courageous to About 1820 and the United States why I personally think Hill is so describes as the Black man who got a sellout; he wins as long as that’s people who set their hearts and Census. These sources can be of great important and such a model for the rich saying the things white people the one criticism that can never be minds to strive to make life better use to others wishing to research Black information professional. Hill is want Black people to say. Watkins hurled at him (sexist, homophobic or for themselves and others; to not their own families or who just have an one of the people in the Black public is the polar opposite of Elder, and narrow-minded he can recover from). just settle for the status quo; and to interest in genealogy in general. discourse that I feel tries to navigate has made his name off of pro-Black forge ahead despite of the obstacles for and shout what he feels is the sloganeering and statements about Hill, as I see it, takes the hard but This is a very well-written, well- put before them. Members of the truth, knowing that sometimes it’ll Black empowerment that at times ring admirable route, and the route documented, and thoroughly Murphy and Cornwall families were get white people calling him a rac- hollow, but they play to the base. that I hope a lot of us are willing to researched gem of family history entrepreneurs, inventors, clergymen, ist and at other times it’ll get Black take as information professionals that should be on the shelves of It is easy to do Elder and Watkins educators, landowners, soldiers, people calling him a sellout. I believe and, therefore, truth advocates. He libraries, bookstores, and genealogy do. You simply identify the base of sailors, and people of fortitude that if you’re a public voice that ticks doesn’t hesitate to challenge white researchers everywhere.
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conservatives who call him a racist say that about me. I would say they’re much if not more than anyone else Hill’s words here clearly illustrate one Black organizations and institutions we’ve got. I can be hard to deal with when he declares that systematic wrong, that’s not how I operate. But associated with BCALA. of the many limits for using television in general (and I’m a part of a few) at times, as can probably everyone racism is an obstacle that Black I’m reluctant to say in general that and media-based vehicles for was Hill’s advice on structure and else in this organization. Many people Hill did recall though, a situation Americans are still confronting. But people are ideologues or are playing disseminating information regarding loyalty to Black organizations. Hill may have a distaste for me, and where he was discussing an issue on he also doesn’t back down when to the cheap seats.” complex issues. There’s just too much comically talked about how you may that’s okay. But I’ve found a place of television with someone who made Black radicals on Twitter attempt to unpack. There is definitely a feeling get Black organizations on college contribution within this organization I was momentarily stunned by this something of a tangential point. to challenge him on the actual (not among some in society that libraries, campuses and there are numerous and I stick with it, and if I get mad response, but I needed to be. Hill After the news segment was over, legal) innocence or guilt of O.J. museums and cultural heritage organizations with thin member- I don’t stay mad. Because if splinter went on to say that – however naïve Hill confronted the person on what Simpson. I believe that when you institutions are losing, but we can’t ship (he jokingly said perhaps just groups for Black librarians form, or it may be – he tends to assume that they said and the person admitted are standing for truth, you’re going afford to lose, because we offer the the president and vice-president). people decide that being involved people operate in good faith. There that they had simply said what they to lose some fans or some friends space where these time limitations With Black organizations specifically, in an organization devoted to Black was a glimmering optimism that said because they knew Hill would and you’re going to alienate some are minimized. We offer the full Hill said people seem to like to start librarianship is not worth the associ- came with that system of belief and not be able to respond to it. Hill colleagues, possibly in BCALA. But length books, the archival papers, the organizations versus join organiza- ated headaches, then we’ve lost one it caught me off guard since I’m the insisted after recalling this situation somehow I tend to think that when peer-reviewed publications, and the tions, and that people will split Black vehicle to try to affect change for our type of man who sees being realistic that he’s not doing what he does to we make our actual agenda “the like. We offer the information at its organizations or leave Black organi- people as a people. There may be as a hopelessly pessimistic position. win an argument, his motivation is truth” as opposed to these more rawest and least-compact form. zations because someone made them times when people need to take breaks Hill’s approach to traversing Afro- to “promote an idea”, a truth, that he profitable Elder or Watkins-type mad or their ego was injured. from this or any organization, and American discourse contained more feels will make the world better. Hill Pundits on television are great, but agendas, we identify real issues and there are certainly boundaries that maturity and less judgment and noted that he does not believe that it they should serve mostly as the To say I’ve seen such happen with my we work to solve them. need to be established, lest you lose condemnation than my own. All these is everyone’s objective, unfortunately, stepping stone in getting people own eyes would be an understatement. your health and sanity over something Hill Responds to My Question years that I have operated with the to spread a truth, but that there are interested and thinking about complex Growing up in the Black church, that shouldn’t take that from you. But belief that there are only a few public some out there who are merely trying issues. The public should not be this type of behavior was really Hill was gracious enough to allow me I am still not quite pessimistic enough Black voices interested in telling the to win a debate and this is frustrating allowed to think that the conversation something I came to find strange if it to ask him a question on record in to not believe that there is a little truth and confronting and solving for those who are attempting to and receipt of information can end was not happening. But I see it within regards to exchanges that he’d had something for every Black librarian problems while everyone else played promote or discover truths. there. It can’t. The next stop should be Black Greek Letter Organizations, with Watkins and Elder in the past. here in this organization. And even to a target audience have probably our shelves and our resources. Black professional organizations, One of the first things Hill did when Hill also, in answering me, said if the only contribution that a Black caused me to discard helping hands and Black student organizations as responding to my question about his that he hesitates to call himself a Other Takeaways from Hill practitioner wants to make to this and positive collaboration from well. And it’s a touchy subject when exchanges with Watkins and Elder “public intellectual”, but said a main organization is to say that they’ll share people that I’d written off as playing Hill spoke to a decent-sized crowd of discussing BCALA specifically. We was say, “I don’t want to presume challenge as far as being a pundit in our literary award winner list with to some group agenda. And people USC students, staff and faculty during are an organization with egos and big that because we look at the world the media is the limitations of the their institutions and get some titles have assuredly written me off the in a speech later that day. There were a personalities. We are an organization differently that they also aren’t look- space itself. Hill said that spaces for based on our recommendations for the same light. One thing that we as few takeaways from his general speech with some problems and some things ing for truth. We can always analyze unpacking complicated issues (in their readers, that’s something. And Black people with a vested interest to the USC community at large as that can be improved. We are an people’s motives, critique them and the case he was speaking on at the that practitioner has established a in the success of Black organizations well that could be of value to BCALA organization that’s just flat out say ‘hey, this feels opportunistic. This moment, television, but this could boundary that they’re willing to work and communities must therefore do members and to librarians in general. stressing sometimes. feels like you’re playing to the cheap apply to columns or Twitter as well) with regarding BCALA and operated is be less inclined to make presump- seats. This feels like you’re trying to give speakers very limited time to try Perhaps the most pertinent piece for And I’m a life member, and have been within that frame. tions on our co-collaborators. And get a job…’ And there are folks who to tackle a very complicated issue. members of BCALA and members of since age 25, because this is what trust, I need to break this habit as
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Finally, I think that the course of ac- that we lose people in each of these National Bar Association seemed to extend the message conveyed by Each panel features a pair of either tion that Hill laid out in his speech for three steps. Have we always listened unafraid of rocking boats when the text, then you have a winner. Bad girls or women with different social justice minded persons is also to one another or were we quick to discussing the Michael Brown Hair Does Not Exist! = ¡Pelo Malo hairstyles. In roll call fashion, Arzu- the course of action that best serves just advance our own truth, or maybe situation, for instance. And even in Ne Existe! by Sulma Arzu-Brown, Brown lists the array of hair types: BCALA if it wants to be an organiza- our own agenda? Did we always ask the ranks of librarianship, some other with illustrations by Isidra Sabio, is curly, straight, short, long, combed, tion of wise action. Hill said that to the right questions before making a organizations are really putting their certainly a winner! tousled, red, blond, white, black, afro, affect change, people must first listen. move or did we just attempt to “act feet to the fire. The Association of Mohawk, loose, braided, deadlocked, The reader is first captured by the After listening, people must discern bravely and do something” before we Library Services to Children took a wavy. Sabio’s illustrations come to beautiful and refreshing book cover wisely and ask the right questions. attempted to gather the right infor- no-holds barred approach when they life to communicate more than just showing Black girls and women Finally, once the right questions have mation and analyze the situation we cancelled their Charlotte conference hair descriptions. In the pairings we representing diverse professions and see inter-generational women sharing been asked, people must “act bravely wanted to tackle? And did we always in response to controversial House recreational activities. The different family knowledge by cooking together, and do something.” I do honestly act bravely, or have we at times been Bill 2. This sort of action could be skin color pigmentation and natural girls in the arts singing, dancing, and perceive this three-prong approach scared to rock the boat? us. I’d say it should be us. But it hairstyles of the women and girls in creating music, doctors and nurses as a challenge for this organization could only work if our leadership is Isidra Sabio’s illustrations delight When I look at some other Black in pair, mothers and daughters, for many reasons that we don’t have empowered to follow Hill’s three- the eye and the spirit because they professional organizations, I honestly princesses and superheroines, space to unpack here. But I know prong approach. unabashedly show the beauty of do see more pointed action. The athletes, and scientists, and girls Black females. decked out in Sunday best. Sabio’s In an article titled “’Combing’ through use of color, tone and line are visually representations of Black girls’ hair appealing and draw the reader’s eye in African American children’s to the details of the characters hair, Association for the Advancement Book Review: Bad Hair Does Not of colored People in the early 20th literature,” Brooks and McNair (2015) dress, and expressions. contextualize scholarship on how century. W.E.B. DuBois, along with Moreover, the intentionality Exist! = ¡Pelo Malo No Existe! Black hair is theorized in children’s Professor Augustus Granville Dill, and of embracing Afro-Latinas is literature by using Black Feminist the influential literary editor, Jessie By Lettycia Terrones, Cal State Fullerton, REFORMA Los Angeles communicated in the Spanish-English frameworks to situate their analysis Fauset, had a vision for The Brownies bilingual pairings of each sentence of picturebooks that represent Black Book to serve as a vehicle for teaching Book Information construction. The bilingual pairing is hair. They write about the positive African-American children about Title: Bad Hair Does Not Exist! = Pelo Malo No Existe! also right on the mark in its structure impact that “African American their heritage and the rich history of Author: Sulma Arzu-Brown so that the Spanish is well translated children’s literature [can have on] achievements of African-American Illustrator: Isidra Sabio and not text-heavy as some bilingual young people, particularly girls, people, and the accomplishments of ISBN: 9780988824065 picturebook sometimes do. [to] view themselves as beautiful … everyday African-American youth. Recommended level: PreK-1st grade through books … that celebrate and In reading Bad Hair Does Not Exist! = The pages in The Brownies Book also Collection: Recommended for public libraries, school district literacy centers, curriculum materials and teacher affirm the normalcy of Black hair” ¡Pelo Malo Ne Existe!, I was reminded served as a mechanism for countering preparation collections (p. 300). Bad Hair Does Not Exist! = of the groundbreaking contributions the corrosive effect racism can have The old adage of not judging a picturebooks, attention to illustration book can tell a story primarily through ¡Pelo Malo Ne Existe! supports this of The Brownies Book, a children’s on young Black and Brown people book by its cover often stands on and its ability to enhance the narrative pictures, and when those pictures not aim to normalize and affirm magazine that grew from authors by instilling cultural pride and self- its head when it comes to children’s is a crucial marker of quality. It can only complement the words in the Black hair. and journalist writing in The Crisis, love, as well as inscribing messages literature. Especially when evaluating make or break a book. When a picture story, but add a deeper dimension the official magazine of the National of resilience in the poetry, stories,
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artwork, biographies, and true stories hair texture of Afro-descent girls. beauty and value of Black girls. We that, he kept informative notes The author read the logbooks and Connecticut but all over the world. showing African-American children as She intends this book to be a “tool of champion the work of the Center for describing the long and difficult visited the island of Bence several They were part of the fabric of knowledge-makers. empowerment for all little girls who the Study of Multicultural Children's journey from New London to the tiny times. After each visit she seemed to everyday life in the local businesses, are Black, Afro-descendent, Afro- Literature. We cite the Children’s island of Bence in Sierra Leone. He discover more about the slave trade. in the fields and in the homes, it In the context of Bad Hair Does Latinas and Garifuna … [to instill] the Cooperative Book Center annual wrote of his fears, his thoughts and She asked local residents of nearby was necessary and legal. It was not Not Exist! = ¡Pelo Malo Ne Existe!, values of love, beauty, intelligence, statistics on multicultural children’s of other ship captains he met. Dudley areas near Bence to give her a tour so much about human equality but it is important to note that W.E.B. empowerment and consideration for literature to call out the disparity of traded mainly for fresh water, wood of the tiny island and listen to the about labor. DuBois is often called the “Father of the feelings of others.” Bad Hair Does culturally relevant children’s literature and slaves. accounts from African elders who Pan-Africanism” for his work and In the early 17th century the lifestyle Not Exist! = ¡Pelo Malo Ne Existe! can and the production of this literature claimed to know something about the commitment to championing Black be a tool of empowerment for adults by artists and writers of color. We can Connecticut was a major provider to was very different from what it equality on a global scale. As noted in trade from oral accounts. Standing as well. also support the “We Need Diverse the British West Indies plantations is now in 21st century America. the introduction to her book, Sulma in the ruins of the forts she imagined Books” movement by reading Bad where slaves worked on sugar cane The interpretation of the legal Arzu-Brown was inspired to write Bad Librarians and educators are the many men, women and children Hair Does Not Exist! = ¡Pelo Malo Ne plantations. Other slave ships traded system during the early period of Hair Does Not Exist! = ¡Pelo Malo Ne increasingly voicing the need for who were held captive in tiny cells, Existe! in our public library storytime what they got from Africa to the West a very young nation was centered Existe! as an act of resistant resilience diverse children’s literature. We are denied basic necessities and treated programs and in our classrooms. Indies and South America. English on agriculture and freedom from against the messages of “pelo malo” inspired by Marley Dias’s list of 1000+ horribly. She imagined the fear slave ships traveled to many ports the reins of England. Oppressing or “bad hair” to describe the natural books featuring and affirming the the adults felt of not knowing what but mainly brought items to countries others, benefiting off of others their future held for them; being in Europe and other colonies ruled financially and politically, and surrounded by strange men speaking by England. denying equal opportunities because a strange language; she imagined of the color of your skin is never Reflections About Logbooks Dudley made at least three trips to the fear of children being separated right. These past acts must hold Vivian Bordeaux, Bridgeport (Conn.) Public Library Sierra Leone. One of the trips he from their parents and other family solutions. Accomplishments and was captured and his ship and cargo members and crying out; then the other achievements must be shared were seized. He was very distressed walk from the fort to the canoes This is not a book review just a and we cannot remember family the voyages his father Gurdon with future generations. The history and was worried about his father’s then board the waiting ships. Dudley sharing of a book I found to be very members or things that we hold Saltonstall, a wealthy New London, must never be forgotten or hidden. reaction to the news. He was able described the holding area on the interesting about historic Connecticut dear. Almost like parts of history Conn. merchant who was involved We must be guardians of our past, to send word to his father through ships for the captives as being and slave ships. “The Logbooks: that were never written down or in the Atlantic slave trade business, present and future and document it another ship captain and months cramped and unsanitary. Captives Connecticut’s Slave Ships and talked about by scholars. Forgotten commissioned him to make. The for others. lay for days in their own excrements Human Memory” by Anne Farrow history that affects how society Rhode Island, Massachusetts and later he finally made it home to give and were not allow to exercise, get describes what she considers the views African Americans and how Connecticut harbors had many his father full details of the situation. fresh air or water, and because of forgotten history of Connecticut we view ourselves. Farrow’s account ships leaving for the west coast of Often the life of a slave ship captain these conditions many men, women slave ships and comparing that with of her mother’s dementia was very Africa for materials the colonies was very hard in dealing with other and children became violently sick the forgotten past of her mother’s compassionate and I believe showed needed including captive individuals. ship captains from other countries and died. life. Her mother’s memory loss the painful realization of not being Wealthy businessmen and political and with African leaders who would sometimes capture the captain and deeply impacted her and her siblings recognized by her mother. leaders, pillars of society were The labor of captive human beings his crew. and the past life they shared and traders in captive humans. Dudley was very important not only in The logbooks written in 1757 now their future. She writes that Saltonstall wanted to protect his by Dudley Saltonstall describe memory loss removes all of our pasts father’s investments and, in doing 34 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2 | 35
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This made what I was doing feel more Roy Blunt, explains why we are here, “It’s over!” As I watch Blunt come Personal Perspective official. Thanks to several members of I send up a silent prayer that it will all down from the dais to talk with Carla, the Enoch Pratt Library Board, Pratt go smoothly. I return to reporter mode and move staff, and Library of Congress staff, to get a few more pictures. I am on the Library of Congress “Don’t be nervous”. This was the things all began to feel so real. Before fortunate enough to eventually get telepathic message I was sending I could send the pictures out to the a hug and photo with Carla and her Confirmation Hearings Carla. She is so soft-spoken; initially listserv, the moment we all had been mom. I am a firm believer that when I have trouble hearing her voice. No Rose Timmons Dawson, Alexandria (Va) Library waiting for arrived. Senator Barbara something is meant to be, it is meant worries. At this point, her answers Mikulski (MD) walked in greeting to be. Dr. Carla Hayden as the 14th carry throughout the room. That’s people. It came as no surprise that she Librarian of Congress? Without a “Good for her! She is so deserving minutes early. He also offered their the table for audience. Scanning the better. While several senators from was going to introduce Carla. She was doubt, definitely meant to be. of this honor. I am so proud of my office location in case I experienced room, I located Larra Clark from the dais ask questions, they don’t then followed by Senator Ben Cardin President”. These were my thoughts any difficulties. Now I simply needed the ALA Washington Office. I made appear to be an unfriendly bunch. and former senator Paul Sarbanes. At Editor's note: the U.S. Senate had not on February 24, 2016 when emails to adjust my schedule. Torn between a beeline to where she was sitting. The primary focus appears to concern that time, you see Carla’s mom, the made its decision of whether or not to from ALA Council and BCALA came commitments already on my calendar, There were approximately 20 people technology, Congressional Research woman of the hour, and several other confirm Hayden by press time. flying into my inbox concerning I debated whether I should reschedule in the room waiting for the hearing Services, and copyright issues. She is senators. Once the chairman, Senator President Obama nominating Dr. those meetings in order to attend this to begin. Larra and I discussed Office definitely prepared. Carla Hayden as the next Librarian historic event. Thanks to my staff, this of Information Technology Policy of Congress. While I am normally a actually involved no decision. They matters while we waited. person with a “glass half-full” attitude, volunteered to represent me at the “Why was I nervous?” It’s not like I I did wonder if the Senate would scheduled meetings, affording me the Youth Corner: A Booklist You was in the hot seat. But, I wanted this take their time in scheduling the opportunity to attend the hearings. so badly for her…the profession…for confirmation hearings. “I’m getting ready to witness the us. I made a quick trip to the restroom Can't Miss “I have got to be there!” This was confirmation hearings of the next to kill some time but there were still Kirby McCurtis, Youth Librarian, Multnomah County (OR) Library my initial reaction on April 9, when Librarian of Congress!” I stood 25 more minutes before the hearing reading an email that announced in the hall of the Senate Russell would begin. Dr. Richard Bradberry Amy Cheney is a librarian and an myself recommending titles from Dr. Hayden’s confirmation hearing Building outside room 301 where posted on the BCALA website the link advocate for underserved youth. She the booklist and putting in purchase before the Senate Rules Committee the confirmation hearing was to take to watch the hearings. I responded started the“In the Margins” book- requests to our system selector. These as Wednesday, April 20, at 2:15 place. One gentleman tried to enter that I was “sitting in the Russell (B) list a number of years ago, when books are about real issues in our p.m. Assuming that I needed to but the door appeared to be locked. uilding with approximately 30 others she was a librarian at the Alameda community—featuring real people or have some clout to gain entry into A minute later, someone walked out waiting for things to begin.” It then County Juvenile Hall in San Leandro, authentic characters. I interviewed this process, I quickly went into of the room and the gentleman was occurred to me that despite the official California, based on books that teens Amy to learn a bit more about the reference librarian mode. I contacted able to open the door widely, allowing photographers in the room, a few serving time loved. The booklist has booklist and the award, and what the offices of Senator Mark Warner, me a chance to step through. While I pictures to look back on would not be since evolved into an award, and titles she recommends. my senator from Virginia. Initially, noticed the room had chandeliers, it a bad idea. the 2016 winners were announced KM: How did “Into the his staffer expressed surprise that I really was your typical hearing room. in March. Although I don’t work as “Excuse me, I’m Rose Dawson from Margins” booklist get started? thought I needed to reserve a seat. It had the dais where the senators a librarian in a jail or prison, I am the Alexandria Library and I was AC: I was working in a lockdown He kindly informed me that, while would sit; a table in the middle of the a public librarian, and I often find wondering if I couldn’t take your a reservation was not necessary, he room where Dr. Hayden would sit; picture for the BCALA newsletter?” did encourage me to arrive 30-40 and approximately 100 chairs behind 36 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 43, issue 2
facility, where, as most everyone Workman is uneven in her offerings. woman carrying Ebony Canion’s book of color knows, there are Some of her books our kids LOVE Left for Dead. We stopped to chat and disproportionate numbers of Black and others are complete duds. But as the woman was so excited about this and brown youth locked up. “In the most kids who find a writer they like, book and how fantastic the book was. Margins” is a booklist - and now they read everything she puts forth, The librarian at the school purchased award - that began when my teens the good books and not so good ones all the “In the Margins” award titles had read everything on my shelves a topic of debate among them. What - which is why it was available on the and were desperate for more books. more could a librarian want? Her shelf for this woman to find. THAT I’d get boxes of books from the big books are kind of the best and worst of was deeply satisfying. publishers with the newest titles in self published titles: they are crammed I was recently at a party and saw them with all the buzz in the library full of every scenario our kids are Marilyn Jones, the author of From world and there might be one or two involved in and need editing… yet the Crack to College and Vice Versa. books in the box that my teens would fact that so much they can relate to is I hope she’ll get out in front of read - if I were lucky. “In the Margins” in the book makes them completely audiences and tell her story, so has been an amazing project, most relevant. I love our list because the beautifully written in her memoir. importantly because it’s brought new titles that really aren’t so good don’t And, for an inside tip, Being Bad: reading materials to the kids around make it onto our list, but the ones that My Baby Brother and the School-to- the country. It’s brought incredibly get the kids going rise to the top. Prison Pipeline by Crystal Laura was a valuable self published and small KM: What are your favorite titles? contender for our top award this year. press books to the national arena, AC: I personally am most proud of one that even won the Alex Award! KM: Are you looking for the many self published memoirs on (Juvenile in Justice by Richard Ross). new committee members? the list by people of color. Some of my AC: “In the Margins” is struggling KM: What books were favorites from this year are: Tewhan a bit to find a home, and we love the winners this year? Butler’s America’s Massacre and Tony having new committee members AC: The announcement of our top Lewis’ Slugg: A Boy’s Life. Each offer to lurk, suggest titles, and take on ten and newest list can be found here: so much that I haven’t seen written leadership roles in following years. http://www.slj.com/2016/03/books- about in a way that is validated by Please feel free to contact me for more media/the-2016-in-the-margins- mainstream publishing. From past information. book-awards-are-unveiled/#_ years, Pacc Butler’s From God’s Monster to the Devil’s Angel is terrific, Find Amy online at: https:// When our top fiction choice for 2016 as is Rayshawn Wilson’s. Lionheart: writetoreadbooks.wordpress.com/ emerged (Tattooed Teardrops by P.D. Coming from Where I’m From. Workman), we all laughed and tried to make it not so. Workman is white, but K M: Other great titles that her books touch upon street life and you would recommend? marginalized life in a way that makes AC: The other day I was walking these books a top read for kids of all down a hallway in a San Francisco colors in the margins. A prolific writer, high school and I saw an older Black BCALA News PRESIDENT PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE COPYRIGHT Kelvin Watson Jason Alston All material appearing in BCALA News Tiffany Duck is copyrighted. The BCALA takes care to PUBLISHER BCALA INC. Nzinga Holley-Harris ensure the information is correct at the Ad Rates 2014-2015 EDITORIAL Jason Howard time of printing, but responsibility for Editor: Jason Alston Ursula Jacobs-Guidry accuracy of claims and information rests Phone: (803) 777-6493 Michael Mungin with the author. Views expressed are not Fax: (803) 777-7938 Natasha Smith Email: [email protected] necessarily those of the leadership DESIGN of BCALA ADVERTISING Creative Director / Designer: Advertising Rates: Sales and Marketing: Jason Alston OPUSSEVEN INC Phone: (803) 777-6493 opusseven.com Email: [email protected] 1/8 Page — $50 1/4 Page — $80 1/3 Page — $150 1/2 Page — $200 Full Page — $400
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VALERIE DENISE ROWE JACKSON FEB 29, 1956 - MAR 28, 2016