Charis and the Auburn Avenue Research Library welcome Karida L. Brown and Charly Palmer in conversation with Ida Harris for a celebration of The New Brownies' Book: A Love Letter to Black Families. Inspired by the groundbreaking work of W. E. B. Du Bois, this beautiful collection brings together an outstanding roster of Black creative voices to honor, celebrate, and foster Black excellence.
This event takes place at the Auburn Avenue Research Library (101 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303) and is free and open to the public. No ticket or reservation is required to attend. Books will be available for purchase from Charis Books and More. Masks are encouraged but not required. The event will be simulcast on the Auburn Ave Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AuburnAvenueResearchLibrary/) for community members who do not wish to attend live.
The New Brownies’ Book reimagines the very first publication created for African American children in 1920 as a must-have anthology for a new generation. Expanding on the mission of the original periodical to inspire the hearts and minds of Black children across the country, esteemed scholar Karida L. Brown and award-winning artist Charly Palmer have gathered the work of more than fifty contemporary Black artists and writers. The result is a book bursting with essays, poems, photographs, paintings, and short stories reflecting on the joy and depth of the Black experience—an immersive treasure trove that reminds readers of all ages that Black is brilliant, beautiful, and bold.
IMPORTANT HISTORICAL LEGACY: In 1920, W. E. B. Du Bois and the founders of the NAACP published The Brownies’ Book: A Monthly Magazine for Children of the Sun, which included art, stories, letters, and activities to inspire children, share Black history, and celebrate their identities. As the first periodical for African American youth, this was an important work in the history of children’s literature. The New Brownies’ Book revives its mission to inspire the young readers of today.
INCREDIBLE CONTRIBUTORS: This book features the work of talented and exciting Black creators, including playwright and poet Ntozake Shange, writer and editor Damon Young, Def Poetry Jam co-creator and painter Danny Simmons, sociologist and educator Dr. Bertice Berry, children’s book illustrator James E. Ransome, muralist Fabian Williams, collage artist Marryam Moma, and many more.
BEAUTIFUL KEEPSAKE: This collection presents a celebratory array of artwork, from detailed paintings and drawings to photographs and collages. It includes stories meant to be shared by children and adults, offering a way for all families—especially Black families—to connect across generations through the power of literature. With its meaningful content and deluxe packaging, this hardcover volume makes a thoughtful gift for new parents, grandparents, or inquisitive readers of all ages.
Dr. Karida L. Brown is a sociologist, educator, and writer whose research focuses on the relationship between race, social transformations, and communal memory. She is a professor of sociology at Emory University, the inaugural Diane Nash Descendants of the Emancipation Chair at Fisk University’s John Lewis Center for Social Justice, a member of the Board of the Obama Presidency Oral History Project, and the director of Racial Equity & Action for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Charly Palmer is an award-winning fine artist, graphic designer, and illustrator. His artwork bears witness to African ancestry and contemporary experiences, from his paintings to his illustrated children’s books, which include The Teachers March!: How Selma’s Teachers Changed History, The Legend of Gravity, and Keep Your Head Up. Palmer’s paintings can be found in major museums and private collections. He has also created art for the cover of the John Legend album Bigger Love and for the covers of The New Yorker and Time Magazine. Palmer teaches at Spelman College.
Ida Harris is a journalist, content creator and media professional covering topics at the intersection of Black culture and womanhood. Ida is also a published author whose work is included in the newly released anthology Bigger Than Bravery: Black Resilience and Reclamation in a Time of Pandemic. Her literary work and essays are featured in Boston Review, Teen Vogue, ELLE, Essence, Yes! Magazine, USA Today and more. Ida is currently Director of Digital Content for BLACK ENTERPRISE where she curates the daily content around Black business, entrepreneurship, entertainment, health, lifestyle, and news.
Inspired by the groundbreaking work of W. E. B. Du Bois, this beautiful collection brings together an outstanding roster of Black creative voices to honor, celebrate, and foster Black excellence.
The New Brownies’ Book reimagines the very first publication created for African American children in 1920 as a must-have anthology for a new generation.