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Representation Matters: Why Diverse Books Keep Children Engaged

MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN REPORTER — Dr. Artika R. Tyner, a columnist and advocate for literacy, emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant children’s books.
The post Representation Matters: Why Diverse Books Keep Children Engaged appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 week ago

July 7, 2026

Oakland Post

Mirrors and Windows: Why Culturally Relevant Books Matter for Children

Columnist Dr. Artika R. Tyner writes on the power of culturally relevant children’s books, drawing on her own childhood memories searching for a story that reflected her. Tyner outlines how to identify genuinely culturally relevant books, why children engage more deeply with characters who share their culture, and how “First Educators” can use both mirror and window books to build empathy, self-worth and a broader view of the world.

As a child, one of my fondest memories was my grandmother taking me to the Salvation Army to buy books. I longed to find a book with a little girl with a skin tone similar to mine, a book that revolved around a relatable story. I wanted to see myself in this little girl, and if she were an achiever, I would strive to reach or even surpass her. These memories inspired me to become an author, an educator and a literacy advocate who focuses on creating access to culturally relevant books. My goal is to equip First Educators with the tools needed to inspire the next generation to learn, grow and lead.

“First Educator” refers to the fundamental primary role that parents and caregivers play in a person’s early development and education. They instill essential life skills, morals and behaviors.

As a First Educator, when was the last time you brought home a new book? Do you have a home library set up? Does your child see themselves in the characters of the books you bring home?

Studies have shown that children engage more with books when they intersect with their culture. When characters are familiar with the way of life of their community, children establish an affinity with them. Culturally relevant books motivate children to read, which improves comprehension, enhances critical thinking and increases engagement with others. They also broaden empathy by allowing children to step into the shoes of others and understand the world from a diverse perspective, helping to break down stereotypes.

Books act as mirrors where children get to see a reflection of themselves. When children engage with culturally relevant books and characters they relate to, they tend to have an increased sense of self-worth and cultural validation. They end up emulating these worthy characters.

How to identify a culturally relevant book

Having a picture of a person of color on the cover of a book does not equate to cultural relevance. The stories should be centered on the lives of these characters. Culture is the way of life of a group of people and, as such, should be represented in the details of the food, clothing, language and celebration of festivities. Culturally relevant books should be situated in scenarios that children are familiar with.

When selecting books for your child, focus on books authored by individuals from their communities who celebrate and honor cultural values. The similarities in experiences will resonate with children when they engage with these books.

To truly know what books would best suit your child, you need a better understanding of the child’s world. Start by asking them what their typical day looks like. What sights and sounds they encounter, and how those make them feel. Know their preferences: what snacks they like, how they spend their summers. These details differ among cultures, and book selection should reflect that.

First Educators often introduce children to books that serve as both mirrors and windows. According to children’s literature scholar Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, “Children need windows and mirrors. They need mirrors in which they see themselves and windows through which they see the world.”

Mirror books reflect the lives of children back to them. Readers are familiar with the characters and the setting. Mirror books affirm and validate their experiences and serve as a source of inspiration, particularly in nonfiction, where children are introduced to heroes and sheroes. Window books, on the other hand, open up the world to readers. They give children the liberty to build bridges across cultures, helping develop empathy and curiosity.

As much as a child needs culturally relevant books, there should be a fine balance. When setting up a home library, the collection should be diverse enough to give the child a holistic view of the world as a global citizen. First Educators can seek support from their local librarian in choosing the right books for their child.

Make reading a conversation

As a First Educator, engage your children during and after they read a book. Ask questions such as: “What lessons were learned?” or “What would you have done in this situation?” Engaging children about culturally relevant books connects them to their cultural stories and values. It allows the First Educator to shed more light on cultural practices not found in the book. Bonding over stories nurtures a child’s development, both emotionally and intellectually. It builds trust, improves literacy and unlocks the world for young readers.

A call to action

Pay critical attention to your child’s book collection. Are the books culturally relevant? Do they reflect what you expect your child to know about themselves? Are there stories that, if added, would strengthen the collection? Are there window books to ensure your child has a broad outlook on life?

A child’s understanding of who they are shapes their own story. A powerful gift you can give a child is a book that opens them up to see and know themselves better.

As Dr. Bishop wisely stated: “When there are enough books available that can act as both mirrors and windows for all our children, they will see that we can celebrate both our differences and our similarities, because together they are what make us all human.”

Join Planting People Growing Justice every first Saturday for the Leaders Are Readers program for intergenerational reading circles that bring children and families together through storytelling and interactive activities, plus a free lunch and book giveaway from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jimmy Lee Recreation Center. For more information, visit www.ppgjli.org/.

You can also reach Dr. Artika Tyner directly at drartikatyner@gmail.com.

Based on reporting by Minnesota Spokesman Reporter.

The post Representation Matters: Why Diverse Books Keep Children Engaged appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park

ATLANTA VOICE — A mural depicting late journalist Jovita Moore, painted on the exterior wall of a building now occupied by Bellwood Coffee in Grant Park, was painted over in April. Moore passed away in 2021 after decades of working in Atlanta television news. Bellwood Coffee owners stated in May they were unaware of Moore’s identity or significance to the community before painting over the mural.
The post Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 week ago

July 8, 2026

Oakland Post

At the corner of Boulevard, SE. and Rosalia St., SE., directly across the street from an abandoned home and a Methodist Church, is Bellwood Coffee. One of hundreds of coffee shops in Atlanta, this place of business would not be worth a solitary discussion if not for the way its exterior walls are currently painted. There was once a mural depicting the late Jovita Moore, a beloved journalist who worked in Atlanta for decades. Moore, who passed away in 2021, mentored many of the people you see on television newscasts today. Though her legacy will never be forgotten, it was the mural of her image that was erased.

In April, members of the Grant Park community voiced their disgust at the mural, which graced a side wall of the building now occupied by Bellwood Coffee’s Grant Park location, before it was painted over. In its place are the words “Bellwood Coffee; Cocktails, Biscuits, Dry Goods, Air Conditioning. *Heat Too”. In May, the business owners responded to the community pushback on social media by acknowledging they did not know who Moore was before painting over her image. And later admitted that they did not attempt to find out what she meant to the community.

On May 21, the Bellwood Coffee Instagram account had a post about being “in close contact with Jovita’s family and are actively working on next steps in this process.” Two months later, the mural has not been replaced, repainted, or repositioned on the property. Nothing has been done. Black history is often erased, most recently by the current Presidential administration, but oftentimes on a smaller, quieter scale. The mural was originally painted by muralist Tommy Bronx, who had been in contact with the business owners about repainting it. As of July 6, Tommy Bronx had responded to a direct message via his Instagram account from The Atlanta Voice about any updates on his plans to repaint the mural.

“We’re currently working on it. You should see some movement in the weeks to come,” he wrote in a response.

On Monday, July 6, the business had several patrons inside and was running smoothly with three employees manning the counter. The Atlanta Voice dropped by Bellwood Coffee to get a look at the exterior wall where the mural once stood as a memorial to a journalist and mother who lost her life to brain cancer at the young age of 54. Moore’s image added some color to the block. The grey wall in its place does not.

A direct message was sent to the Bellwood Coffee Instagram account, and there hasn’t been a response as of 7 p.m. on Monday.

The post Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

Based on reporting by Atlanta Voice.

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‘Proud to Hang Her from a Tree’: Man Arrested for Threatening Black Senator

ATLANTA DAILY WORLD — A New York man faces felony hate crime charges for allegedly posting a threat against New York State Senator Lea Webb. James A. Crosby, 49, of Binghamton, was arrested by New York State Police after investigators determined he posted a threatening comment on a social media news post about a Juneteenth celebration.
The post ‘Proud to Hang Her from a Tree’: Man Arrested for Threatening Black Senator appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 week ago

July 8, 2026

Oakland Post

A New York man is facing felony hate crime charges after allegedly posting that he’d be “proud to hang” New York State Senator Lea Webb from a tree in response to a news story about a Juneteenth celebration.

James A. Crosby, 49, of Binghamton, was arrested June 23 by New York State Police after investigators determined he posted a threatening comment on a WBNG 12 News Facebook post. “I’d be proud to hang her from a tree,” Crosby wrote, according to WBNG.

Crosby was charged with making a terroristic threat as a hate crime, a class C felony, per the New York State Police. He is currently being held at Broome County Jail.

During the subsequent investigation, state police found Crosby was in illegal possession of firearms despite being prohibited from owning them due to a prior felony conviction. Investigators recovered a rifle, a large-capacity ammunition feeding device, and a firearm suppressor — all prohibited under New York state law, per the NYSP.

Crosby was charged with four additional counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, all class D felonies.

Webb, who represents New York’s 52nd Senate District, had been a featured speaker at a Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony at Binghamton City Hall, where the celebration included prayers and the singing of the Black national anthem.

Police said Crosby’s comment was posted in response to a WBNG news story covering the event.

The day before his arrest, Crosby posted a Facebook apology claiming the comment “was not intended to be racial in any way” and was made in reference to what he described as a “criminal,” citing criticism of Webb over her use of nonprofit legal aid in a foreclosure case — a matter state watchdogs said created an appearance of a conflict of interest, per the Ithaca Voice. He was arrested the following day.

Webb issued a public statement June 25 condemning the threat.

“It was extremely disappointing and hurtful to see the now-deleted threat and attacks on my life in response to a story about Juneteenth, a national holiday that recognizes the ending of slavery in America,” she said. “Feedback and thoughts on policy are one thing, but to make a public call for lethal violence is absolutely unacceptable and dangerous. We must recognize our shared humanity and reject violence in all forms.”

She thanked Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and law enforcement for their “swift response.”

Following Crosby’s comments, social media users called for a boycott of his contracting business, Crosby Home Improvements.

The Binghamton City Democratic Committee also called for an investigation into the incident before his arrest.

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The post ‘Proud to hang her from a tree’: Man arrested for threatening Black Senator appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

Based on reporting by Atlanta Daily World.

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CARICOM: Strengthen Integration for Future Generations

NEW YORK CARIB NEWS — Outgoing CARICOM Chairman Terrance Drew called on regional leaders to build a stronger and more effective Caribbean Community that benefits future generations. Speaking at the 51st Regular Meeting, Drew urged modernization of governance structures and improved implementation of Community decisions to make CARICOM safer and more prosperous.
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1 week ago

July 8, 2026

Oakland Post

Speaking Sunday at the opening of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Saint Lucia, Dr. Terrance Drew said the region must modernize its governance structures, improve the implementation of Community decisions, and ensure CARICOM becomes safer, more prosperous, and more relevant to the lives of its citizens.

The meeting, being held under the theme “CARICOM: From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World,” coincides with the Community’s 53rd anniversary. During the ceremony, Dr. Drew formally handed over the rotating CARICOM chairmanship to Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre.

Reflecting on his six-month tenure as chairman, Drew praised fellow regional leaders for maintaining their commitment to democracy, good governance, unity, and the rule of law despite mounting global economic and geopolitical challenges.

“Throughout these challenges, CARICOM chose engagement over isolation. Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to a fair and rules-based international trading system and ensured that the interests of small developing states continued to be heard.”
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He highlighted progress made in strengthening the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, including deeper trade cooperation, expanded labour mobility, and efforts to lay the foundation for long-term economic growth. Drew also noted the Community’s growing partnerships beyond the Caribbean, particularly with the African Union, while stressing that every international partnership should advance the interests of all parties involved.

The outgoing chairman also expressed appreciation to Dr. Carla Barnett and the CARICOM Secretariat for their professionalism and unwavering support during his tenure.

“Whenever I called, you answered. Whenever support was required, you and your team responded with diligence, competence, and excellence.”

Dr. Drew urged the Secretariat to continue preserving its impartiality while faithfully implementing decisions made by Heads of Government, saying that balance has helped strengthen the regional integration movement.

The conference continues in Saint Lucia with regional leaders expected to deliberate on key issues including regional security, climate resilience, trade, economic integration, food security, Haiti, reparations, and strengthening the CSME.

Based on reporting by New York Carib News.

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