Recently a spotlight has been placed on the glaring disparities faced by the Black community, and these disparities have only been furthered by the disproportionate impact of this year’s global pandemic on people of color. It begs an answer to the question: What can you as an ally do to help combat these inequities? One of the best and most direct ways to help the Black community is to support local Black-owned businesses. 

Black businesses have needed support well before the COVID-19 pandemic. While the number of firms has grown nationwide over the years, only nine percent of all United States businesses are Black owned. While white-owned businesses take in about 88 percent of American gross receipts, while Black businesses claim only 1.3 percent of total U.S. sales despite the Black community making up 13 percent of the population. During the pandemic, Black businesses have been much less likely to receive assistance from loan programs created by the CARES Act such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). They have also been impacted more directly since the retail and service industries (many of which were forced to close) make up a considerably greater portion of Black-owned businesses.

Here in Mecklenburg County, rapid urban renewal and gentrification have threatened to leave struggling minority businesses behind. To counter this, organizations like Black Businesses of Charlotte (BBOC) have made it their mission to support Black businesses and connect them to customers and valuable resources. In October, the BBOC hosts its 4th Annual Black Restaurant Week featuring special offers at various Black-owned restaurants from October 19-31, 2020. The organization will also host Black Food Truck Friday on October 30, 2020.  Black Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to go out, stimulate the economy and support your favorite local Black-owned restaurant. 

In reality, one week (or in this case, two) will not stop an economic crisis or save all of Charlotte’s Black businesses. Still, it is a step in the right direction. With social justice and equity initiatives on the rise, Black-owned businesses are seeing an unprecedented rush of support from customers of all races who want to see a more equitable future for their city. To make a permanent change, commitment to patronizing businesses like these must occur on a regular basis. It’s important to do one’s part to create a future where everyone can thrive.

For programming and events information on the Black Lives Matter program at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, click here.   

This blog was written by Darius Smalls of ImaginOn Library.

Bringing home a new baby is a time filled with a of myriad emotions: joy, excitement, anxiety, fear. Taking classes, reading books and listening to advice-both unsolicited and solicited-can never fully prepare a new parent for every possible situation that may arise. And there is nothing, no book, no person, or no oracle that can prepare a parent of a Black son for how it feels the first time you hear the news about a Black man falling victim to the ills of our society because he “fit the description,” was “in the wrong place at the wrong time,” or simply because he was perceived as a threat. 

On February 23, 2020, I remember clutching my then three-and-a-half-month-old son in my arms upon hearing about the shooting death of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. I had seen and read about so many others around the country and even in our city, but this time it hit differently. This time, as the mother, I wept for the future of my Black son. Three months later, on May 25, 2020, I would weep again for George Floyd, the 47-year-old Black man who called out for his mama, his dead mama, as he lay dying in a Minneapolis street. 

As a children’s librarian, I have always valued diversity in children’s books and children’s library programming. I believe children’s books can serve as both windows and mirrors. They can provide a glimpse into situations that may be new and different for some while reflecting others’ lived experiences. Picture books can be valuable tools that help start difficult conversations, and they can affirm and uplift. 

As a mother, who happens to be a children's librarian, I take early literacy seriously. Even though my son is only 10 months old, we make time each week for Active Reading. We regularly read books that reflect who he is and who he will become. By asking questions, building vocabulary and making connections, I am not only setting a strong foundation for literacy development, I am also validating the qualities that make him special and unique, despite what the outside world may think. I don’t stop there though; then, I read books where the children characters are not like him: they have different abilities and their families do not look like ours. Then I validate their special and unique qualities, too. 

We still have a few years before my son is ready for the talk, and I do not mean the birds and the bees. I’m talking about the talk that many Black parents give their children, especially their sons, about what to do if the police pull them over. The talk in which we will discuss why he is not allowed to wear hoodies in public and why it is never ok to play with toy guns. The talk in which we plan and execute how to return home safely each day. But until then, we will keep reading the stories that celebrate him and Black boys like him. And I will encourage others to do the same so that as he and other Black boys become men, society will remember that they, too, are someone’s sons.

This blog was written by Alesha Lackey, a children's librarian at Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library.

This blog was written as part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black Lives Matter program initiative. Learn  more about the program and corresponding events here.

I recall my first inaugural experience in 2009. My entire family (parents, sister, cousins, aunts, and uncles) traveled to Washington, DC to attend special events and witness President Barack Obama take the Oath of Office with First Lady Michelle Obama, and daughters, Malia and Sasha. As a mom, it was important to have my sons experience this historic moment and see a President who looked like them. As a family, we also knew the importance of sharing in this special time together particularly for our youngest generation who were filled with awe and excitement.

Fast forward to Inauguration Day 2021. We reminisced and re-lived how we felt then and rejoiced again as we watched Madam Vice President Kamala Harris take her Oath of Office surrounded by her beautiful family. Although we were unable to gather in person, this occasion was enormous in nature with history being reshaped once again.

Just like my sons got to see their reflection in President Obama, now girls can see their reflection in Vice President Harris proving that the narrative can change. What a sight to behold! What a fervent expression of how every child can feel and see unlimited possibilities.

Historically, Black, brown, and indigenous people have often been relegated and made to feel that moments like this are reserved for just a few. Not so, I declare! These moments are for ALL.

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This blog post was written by Helen Hope Kimbrough. Helen is a reading evangelist, literacy advocate, and racial equity champion. She serves as the Second Vice Chair of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.

Sometimes it’s just nice to sit back and listen to someone read you a story. That’s just what Library on Call plans to do.

Library on Call is an outreach service of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library where customers can call a dedicated number to hear pre-recorded, frequently updated messages tailored for our senior audience.

Selections include short stories, poems, chapters from famous and popular books, jokes and more. At least one option will be offered in Spanish. Selections range in time from one to 30 minutes long. They can be heard any time, day or night, seven days a week.

To hear a story for yourself or play one for someone else, just dial (980) 331-7700. You'll hear an automated menu. Make your selection, sit back, and enjoy.

This blog was written as part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black Lives Matter program initiative. Learn  more about the program and corresponding events here.

I recently snapped a photo of myself and three other Black male co-workers as we were the only staff in the facility at the time. It was a moment of pride — and perhaps reckoning — for me to realize that in the 20+ years that I’ve worked in libraries, this was the only time I could recall working alongside all Black male colleagues. Truthfully, it was my first time working alongside all male colleagues, but the fact that we were all Black men was glaring. It took me back to a conversation I had a few years ago, when a young Black male asked me where I worked. When I told him where and what I did (I referred to myself as a librarian), his response was incredulous. He shared with me that he didn’t know of any librarians that looked “like him.” It was a sad acknowledgment, but not necessarily a surprising one.

From L-R, Kyle Hearns, Reggie Villegas, Kenya Sloan, LaJuan Pringle

Librarianship is one of the many career fields where Black representation lags. As Black Americans make up roughly 13% of the country’s population, 9% of librarians are Black according to the American Library Association, and out of credentialed librarians nationwide, Black male representation among this group is less than 1%. This issue has become well-known throughout the profession. The lack of Black males in librarianship has been well documented in numerous discussions and academic studies throughout the years. Some of the reasons cited for lack of Black males in the profession include:  

• Black males may not see librarianship as a viable option when they are young. It’s during these years that many of us start to think about what we want to do or who we want to be in life. As I look back on my own story, my first job in high school was a library page. If it hadn’t been for my library work in high school, I’m certain I would have never entertained the thought of becoming a librarian as an adult.
• Librarianship is a female dominated profession. Over 80% of librarians are women. There’s the belief that because women represent the overwhelming majority of librarians, it’s viewed as “woman’s” job. However, once you get past these stereotypes, librarianship is a great profession for anyone regardless of gender.

The lack of representation of Black males continues to be an issue for the library profession, but on the day we took the picture above, for me, it was a vision of what library staff could look like. In this vision, libraries would employ staff that reflect and, in many cases, look like the communities they serve. If I ever again see the young man I mentioned earlier, I’d like to invite him to West Boulevard for a visit. It would be great for him to see library employees who look like him.

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This blog post was written by LaJuan Pringle, branch leader at West Boulevard Library.

The 2021 Community Read program is designed to get our community, “On the same page” by promoting a community of readers, learners and creating a platform for discussion. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors Wells Fargo, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation and Publix Super Markets Charities, the Library is able to give away a limited number of books at our branch locations. Beginning February 15, 2021 customers can request a free copy of one of the four Community Read titles to keep.

Book pick up will continue while supplies last. Call your local branch location to reserve your pick and schedule a pick up time. Each of the four Community Read titles are available for checkout in our collection as well with a Library card.

Everyone in the community can participate in Community Read: read a book, share perspectives, attend a program, engage on social media and build a stronger community together.

Visit the Community Read page for additional information, to register for programs and take the pledge today.

CMS students can take the pledge here.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has hired nationally recognized library leader Marcellus “MT” Turner as its next Chief Executive Officer and Chief Librarian after an extensive national search, effective April 1, 2021. Turner comes to the Library with more than 30 years of library experience, most recently serving as the Executive Director and Chief Librarian at The Seattle Public Library (SPL) in Seattle, Wash.  

“Marcellus Turner is an exceptional leader whose experience and visionary approach make him the ideal person to lead the development and direction of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library,” said Joe Helweg, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board of Trustees Chair and head of the search committee. “A respected voice in the national conversation about the future of libraries, MT will be a strategic local leader for our region with his thought leadership on how urban libraries can become more socially conscious and more impactful in helping to solve the challenges facing our communities today.” 

Turner’s three decades of experience includes 10 years at SPL, where he led and managed a system of 27 libraries, including the world-renowned and iconic Central Library, a staff of 679 and more than 500 volunteers. He brings comprehensive experience at every level of system, program and community engagement management of public libraries. Turner is also a highly regarded speaker and guest lecturer, sharing his views and vision on the future of libraries at local, state, national and international library conferences and universities. Turner earned his master’s degree in library science from the University of Tennessee and a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi University for Women.  

“I am excited about joining Charlotte Mecklenburg Library at such an important time in its growth and role as a community resource,” Turner said. “There is a tremendous opportunity to better understand and serve the evolving needs of Charlotte Mecklenburg, and I am committed to ensuring the Library supports, enhances and empowers the changing ways our residents live, learn and engage.” 

In addition to leading the Library’s essential mission, Turner will assume responsibilities for several important initiatives at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: activating the Blueprint 2025 Vision Plan; advancing the Library’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion; and, supporting the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation’s continued fundraising while working with County leadership, architects and builders, to realize the completion of the new $100 million, 115,000-square-foot Main Library. The new Main Library is poised to become a major destination in Uptown Charlotte, designed to be an architecturally distinctive, state-of-the-art, technologically advanced knowledge center, welcoming everyone in the community to access the resources of a 21st century library.   

Turner will officially become Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s CEO and Chief Librarian on April 1, 2021 following the retirement of Lee Keesler, who has led the library since 2012 and served as the 117-year-old public library system’s first CEO. Coleman, Lew, Canny, Bowen led the national search, along with a diverse search committee made up of members of the Board of Trustees, Library Foundation Board and County Leaders.  

“The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Marcellus Turner, and we are thrilled to have him join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library,” Helweg said. “MT’s accomplished career in governing library systems and his vision for the future of libraries ensures Charlotte Mecklenburg Library will continue to be an engaged, dynamic and invaluable resource for our entire community.”

This blog was written as part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black Lives Matter program initiative. Learn  more about the program and corresponding events here.

It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, the same can be said for the picture book, I Am Every Good Thing. Written by Derrick Barnes, and illustrated by Gordon C. James, I Am Every Good Thing is a multiple award-winning, New York Times bestseller that celebrates Black boyhood. As the mother of a Black son, this book resonated with me as it is an affirmation. It represents the qualities that I see in my son and embodies the characteristics that I hope society will also see in him. After reading and re-reading this book with my son, it struck me that for many Black men, books like I Am Every Good Thing were nonexistent during their childhoods, and books that reflected their humanity were exceedingly rare.

On Thursday, February 11, 2021, please join Charlotte Mecklenburg Library for A Conversation with Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James as we discuss I Am Every Good Thing. This program is part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s commitment to Black Lives Matter programming. Registration for the live-streamed event is preferred but not required. Click here to register online.

In the meantime, read on as five Black male Charlotte Mecklenburg Library staffers, Ayinde Best, Darius Smalls, Jamey Rorie, George Peterson, and Zuri Davenport share their thoughts on this special book.

Darius Smalls, Children’s Specialist at ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, describes I Am Every Good Thing as “an awesome rarity and a contrast to our current culture which struggles to create positive images of young Black children, especially boys.” Smalls, a self-proclaimed HUGE fan of Crown: An Ode to The Fresh Cut, also by Barnes and James, remarked, “It’s great to see something with Black boys in it that isn't solely sports or music-oriented either: young Black astronauts, engineers, politicians, educators!”

The illustrations struck a chord with George Peterson, Children’s Specialist at Cornelius Library. He said, “They were so vivid and every page showed that Black boys have the same aspirations as every other young kid. It was so refreshing seeing young Black faces on each page. Seeing a boy of color riding a skateboard really hit home for me because I wanted to be Tony Hawk when I was young. Then I had the opportunity to see Ray Barbee skate. He was the only Black professional skater I had ever seen. He probably didn't know how many people of color he inspired, but he gave me hope that we could do this sport and excel in it.”

Jamey Rorie, a Teen Specialist at Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library is also a fan of Crown: An Ode to The Fresh Cut, especially for its depiction of the barbershop and its importance in Black male culture. He said, “Crown depicted Black boys smiling and being confident in who they are and realizing their worth beyond what society might think they are. I had a feeling I Am Every Good Thing would have similar themes, and I wasn't disappointed. The artwork and the message within it are excellent. The world we live in tends to only highlight the negative, especially when directed to Black boys. They are labeled as "thugs," "up to no good, "troublemakers," etc. Not a single positive adjective outside is used outside of sports, music, or some physical attribute. Nothing is said about who they are, their passions, their loves, their dreams, their future. Young Black boys believe they have to hide who they truly are to prevent themselves from being made fun of by their peers and feeling like outsiders. I Am Every Good Thing is a book that every young Black boy should read so they know that they are more than what the world thinks of them - that it is ok to smile, that it is ok to laugh, be silly, to be themselves because they are more than what people see, that they are good, wonderful, fantastic and worthy of love and respect.”

As each staffer reflected on their childhood, they could only identify a few books in which they specifically saw themselves reflected. Zuri Davenport, a Teen Librarian at Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library who also holds an affinity for Crown, could not pinpoint a specific book or character that resonated with him as a youth. He said, “just about any kind of book with Black characters, I see myself reflected back. It may not be me personally, but my family and friends, who are also a part of me.”

Ayinde Best, a Circulation Specialist at Main Library, saw himself reflected in picture books as a child because he and his parents frequented a local Afrocentric bookstore to buy books. Some of his most cherished favorites of are the Ezra Jack Keats books, A Story a Story, Why Mosquitos Buzz in People's Ears, Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters, and a book about a young boy and the adventures he has with the village medicine woman. The opposite is true for Rorie. He gravitated to nonfiction as a child and attributed that to the lack of books he could relate to. He said, “the only picture books that stuck with me growing up were those books that had animals as characters or some other nonhuman protagonist.” For Smalls and Peterson, Ezra Jack Keats stood out, too, especially The Snowy Day. Peterson said, “the only book that I saw myself reflected as a child was Ezra Jack Keats's The Snowy Day. My family used to read this to me and have told me stories of me pointing to Peter and saying, ‘that's me!’” He even remembers having a red snowsuit like Peter. Smalls also recalled Feast for Ten but regrets that there weren’t more books with Black boys as he was an avid reader.

Each of the five men interviewed agreed that I Am Every Good Thing and books like it are necessary for children’s literature. Davenport said, “all positive books depicting children of color are necessary because we are a diverse people that often get narrowed down to one thing. Reading and seeing diversity in your literature helps you connect to the diversity that is around you.” Peterson added, “this book is necessary because it gives young Black boys and boys of color hope and gives them the knowledge that they can strive to be successful in any journey they have.” Best said, “I think it's great that books like these exist. I wish we could see more books with Black protagonists/with Black cultural themes; a wealth of both should be available to parents looking for good stories to read to their kids.”

“This book as well as writers like Derrick Barnes and illustrators like Gordon C. James are precious and rare in children’s literature. Most of what I was exposed to as Black representation in literature was related to slavery while in elementary school. Still, certainly, our history and culture are broader than just that. Having a book where a character is just living and enjoying life and having regular experiences while being Black is just plain rare. More books like this need to exist to help normalize people seeing Black kids as kids too. May there continue to be more books like this, but also more Black men as authors to create stories like these,” Smalls said.

Rorie thinks that every young Black boy should read books like I Am Every Good Thing. He says that this book will “let them know that they are more than what the world thinks of them - that it is ok to smile, that it is ok to laugh, be silly, to be themselves because they are more than what people see. They need to know that they are good, wonderful, fantastic, and worthy of love and respect. Previous generations had no such books that spoke directly to them to let them know that they matter and are unique. "I personally wish I had books like this growing up, it took me well into high school to realize that I was more than what society thought I was and that I didn't have to hide who I was because of what others might think.” Peterson added, “on the next to last page there is a line that states, ‘I am my ancestors' wildest dream’ that made me think back to what I have become." I am the grandchild of Alabama sharecroppers. My grandmother was a booklover, and for me to be in the position that I am in, I know she would be beyond proud.

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This blog post was written by Alesha Lackey, children’s services manager at Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library.

This blog was written as part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black Lives Matter program initiative. Learn  more about the program and corresponding events here.

February is the month of love! Just as we celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th, we celebrate Black Love Day on February 13th. This year Black Love Day and Valentine’s Day should not be exclusively celebrated by couples — we should all shower ourselves with some extra love this month. We are mindful to adhere to the safety measures set in place to protect our loved ones and us from COVID-19. The Library is here to ensure that you have the resources you need to celebrate safely at home. Below you will find a guide that can be used to design the perfect evening of love for yourself or that special someone in your life.

This guide features one of my favorite Charlotte Mecklenburg Library e-resources hoopla. This resource is a one-stop-shop that allows you to instantly check out e-books, audiobooks, movies, television shows, and new music. You can check out six items per month, and the materials you check out expire on their own so you do not have to worry about pesky due dates. Use this guide to set up your hoopla account and begin checking out materials today.

hoopla Set-Up Guide

hoopla Tutorial

Set the vibe with the perfect playlist:

The perfect evening starts with the perfect playlist. Use this curated collection of music by Black artists to set the vibe for your special evening. Since this collection features the lovely sounds of new and classic artists, there is sure to be something there for everybody to enjoy.

hoopla’s Special Collection Music by Black Artist

Watch a riveting film on hoopla:

I love hoopla because they have a massive collection of movies featuring talented Black directors, writers, and actors. This month use hoopla’s “Maverick Black Cinema” collection to find the perfect film for your love filled evening.

Maverick Black Cinema Movie Collection on hoopla

Learn something new using lynda.com

One of the best self-care practices or ways to invest in your relationship is to learn a new skill. If you’re planning the perfect night just for yourself, taking an enrichment course can be fulfilling and fun. If you’re looking to invest in your partner and make the night impactful, taking an online course together can be a positive bonding activity that will strengthen your relationship.

Lynda.com is one of my favorite resources because it is filled with tutorials and courses. Many of the courses are brief, but they are filled with useful information. Look at the collection and plan your impactful and love-filled evening today.

lynda Set-Up Guide

lynda Tutorial

Order to-go from one of these restaurants and feed your soul:

Below you’ll find some of my favorite Black owned restaurants in Charlotte. With their diverse menus and charismatic owners, you’ll know that without a doubt their food was made with love! 

Leah and Louise

Location: Camp North End

“We interpret classic southern dishes, ingredients and techniques in a way that honors our heritage. We're inspired by Mississippi River Valley foodways. Think Memphis, Jackson, Mississippi and New Orleans.”

Lulu’s Maryland Style Chicken and Seafood

Location: 2400 Tuckaseegee Road Charlotte, NC 28208

“The best and ONLY Maryland Style Crab Cake, Chicken and Seafood in Charlotte!”

Skrimp Shack

Location: (Eastway) 3718 Central Ave. Charlotte, NC 28205, (Pineville) 8328 Pineville-Matthews Rd. Suite 301 Charlotte, NC 28226

“Skrimp Shack has a fish “samwich” that’s as big as your face! Chaz Crenshaw, owner of the Eastway franchise, calls himself the Skrimp King.”

Dee’s Vegan to Go

Location:  1540 West Blvd, Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28208

“We started our business at the Charlotte Regional Farmer’s Market in 2016.  We are a family owned and operated business with a focus on locally sourced fresh ingredients. Our commitment is to homemade, carefully prepared vegan comfort foods.”

Mert’s Heart and Soul

Location: 214 N College St. Charlotte, NC 28202

“Husband-&-wife-run spot for Southern soul food, including Lowcountry dishes, in a colorful setting.”

Cuzzo’s Cuisine

Location: 3415 Tuckaseegee Rd. Charlotte, NC 28208

“Cuzzo's Cuisine is a Gourmet restaurant specializing in Southern Cuisines. Andarrio and Anglee are 1st cousins and were born and raised in South Carolina (Low Country).  You will always receive the best customer service and the most delicious Southern Cuisine.”

I hope this guide helps you plan the perfect love filled weekend. Happy Black Love Day!

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This blog post was written by Cearra Harris a teen services librarian at West Boulevard Library.

This blog was written as part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Black Lives Matter program initiative. Learn  more about the program and corresponding events here.

To understand what Black children understand about race, we must consider a few factors. According to Dr. Erin Winkler, associate professor of African & African Diaspoa Studies at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, those factors would include the child's gender, skin tone, family, peers, media, school, and environment. In her book Learning Race, Learning Place, Dr. Winkler details her findings and dissects those confusing signals about race. That said, the Library also has a multitude of books written for children to explain and offer an avenue to identify those same thoughts within themselves. Writer Jewell Parker Rhodes is one such author doing this work through her children’s books.

In an interview with the educational website Reading Rocket, Rhodes talks of the possibilities children obtain from books. As Rhodes discusses her work, she makes it clear what she wants to share with her audience. "Well, books have been healing my soul,” Rhodes says. “I think that children of color and non-color can see a place for themselves in my books is healing them and reminding them that they are very special because they have power and can be the change, and that I as an adult believe in them. And so, that opens up all kinds of wondrous possibilities."

Following growing national and local support of the Black Lives Matter movement, particularly in 2020, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library responded with the creation of its Black Lives Matter program initiative to hold important discussions and provide resources about racism and social justice to the community. In addition to Library sponsored programs, recommended reading lists concerning race and racism have been created for customers to address a variety of topics. Encompassing all age ranges including children, there are nine featured children’s titles referenced in these lists including two of Rhodes' children’s books. There are even suggested titles from other libraries to help continue the conversation.

Check out the following children’s titles arranged by recommended age and start the discussion with your child today:

We Love You, Rosie! by Cynthia Rylant

A young brother and sister love their playful dachshund, Rosie. The brown-skinned children discover the concept of opposites as they follow their pet into several hijinks. Ages 3-7.  

In Your Hands by Carole Boston Weatherford

A mother shares a prayer for her newborn black son to be safe as he grows in a world where hostility can come because of his race. Ages 4-8.

Let's Talk About Race by Julius Lester

Writer Julius Lester talks about his life story with his family, hobbies, favorite foods, and more and, finally, that he is black. The reader is asked to identify their race, and the discussion goes into the significance of their own life story and how race is just one element. From there, Lester addresses the sameness and connectedness which people share. Ages 6-10.

Courage by Barbara Binns

Thirteen-year-old T'Shawn has a prestigious but expensive new obligation as a new member of a local private club's diving team. The project is a financial strain for his widowed mother. A scholarship helps T'Shawn continue but as his older brother, Lamont, returns home after a prison stint, he comes to resent him as he suspects Lamont still has criminal connections. Ages 8-12.

Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes

An elite prep school for middle schooler biracial Donte is a tough fit while his brother Trey is managing comfortably. The difference in color with darker Donte singled out among the predominately white student body and harassed. One frequent bully, Allan, motivates Donte to challenge and beat him at his own game in the sport of fencing. Ages 8-12.

We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices by Various Authors

Thirty illustrated essays, poems, letters, and stories from more than 50 children's book creators discuss prejudice and racism for their diverse children reader populace. The book is targeted to reassure, calm and inspire children. Ages 8-12.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

During the 1960s and 70s, Jacqueline Woodson shares in poetry her experiences and feelings when growing up in South Carolina and later New York City. The changing locations and times of shifting from segregation's end to the Black Power movement's growth have Jacqueline unsettled but discovering her talent to write. Ages 8-12.

A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramee

The first year of middle school for twelve-year-old Shayla is a dramatic step into her growth and identity. Her two closest friends, Julia, who's Asian-American, and Isabella, who's Latina, have become less so this school year, and Shayla's sister urges her to seek out black friends. Shayla is unconvinced, but her interest and growing commitment to the Black Lives Matter movement cause strife at school from multiple directions. Ages 8-12.

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes

The shooting death of a 12-year-old black boy holding a toy gun by the police is a tragedy that's tough to bear, but the story doesn't end in a single death. In this novel, the soul of the killed Jerome Rogers, meets the ghost of Emmitt Till, murdered in 1955 from racist hate. From Emmitt, Jerome meets other "ghost boys" with their similar stories and how they fight history from repeating itself. Jerome learns he can do the same from his life's end and finds an unlikely human ally. Ages 10 and up.

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This blog was written by Lawrence Turner a librarian at South County Regional.