October 10th 2023.
On October 10th, The New Brownies' Book, a modern interpretation of W.E.B. Dubois' magazine to empower Black children, was released to the public. Co-created by Dr. Karida L. Brown and Charly Palmer, the groundbreaking work is composed of nearly fifty Black writers and artists, making it a powerful love letter to the Black community.
Dubois' original title, The Brownies' Book: A Monthly Magazine for Children of the Sun, was the first of its kind to specifically center on Black youth. Notable authors of the time such as Langston Hughes were featured in the magazine, sparking a legacy of African-American children's literature.
The new rendition pays homage to Dubois' vision, featuring an excerpt from the original book and Hughes' poetry. Brown and Palmer spoke to BLACK ENTERPRISE about their collective hopes for the modern collection of Black creativity.
"We hope that Dubois would be very proud of what we've done here, the intentionality that this world does not evolve without us," said the historian and illustrator. "We have to let our children know we're thinking about them and they are loved, and we are doing so through reviving The Brownies Book."
The couple further sought out Black creatives of all ages to be a part of the new imagining for the children's novel, the youngest of which is four-years-old. Ida Harris, BLACK ENTERPRISE's director of content, is one of the acclaimed writers featured in the book.
"I'm extremely honored to be part of The New Brownies Book and to pen a love letter to youth across the Black diaspora," shared the essayist. "My short story 'Mama Sick' lands at the intersection of childhood and grief, a topic that isn't largely addressed or covered in Black communities. I wanted Black girls and boys to know that I see them, I hear them, I am them."
The New Brownies Book: A Love Letter To Black Families is a testament to the joy and genius of Black creatives, with a variety of poetry, short stories, fine art, and even children's creations. It is now available for purchase wherever books are sold.
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