Black Voices at the Highlights Foundation

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Our Goal

To inspire children through story by amplifying the voices of Black authors & illustrators.

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Our Action:

Craft and education, community-building, and resources and support for Black creatives and professionals in and around the children’s book industry.

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Craft & Education

Upcoming Programs with Black Voices on Faculty

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Get Involved

Cooper’s Cottage

The Nikki Grimes Cottage

The Renée Watson Cottage

Testimonials from Black Creatives

“The feeling of family and connectedness and support and LOVE!“

“Malaika’s Winter Carnival and A LIKKLE MISS LOU: How Jamaican Poet Louise Bennett Coverley Found Her Voice both were worked on at Highlights.” (Nadia L Hohn)

“I felt so special at Highlights. The staff is supportive, and the food is wonderful. Without a doubt, the best part of my personal retreat was staying in the Nikki Grimes cabin. As I looked around the cabin, I saw what a successful literary career looks like — presentations, awards, and more than 40 books on the shelves. I marveled at the length of Ms. Grimes’ career. I couldn’t help but dream of having a career like hers.” (Monique Fields)

We were all Black authors and illustrators at different stages of the publishing journey… I am so grateful for the opportunity to get to know so many wonderful creators. Additionally, The Brown Bookshelf team shared with us such a wealth of information. They taught us how to advocate for ourselves with our publishers, helped us connect with others in the Black community who could spread the word about our books, and inspired pride in our Black storytelling traditions. Having space to discuss the challenges of publishing as a Black creator but also uncovering for us the immense opportunities was inspiring and enlightening. (Lisa Stringfellow)

“My time at a Highlights Chautauqua conference nudged me towards nonfiction and the publication of my first book, a biography for young readers.” (Mélina Mangal)

“My debut picture book, FLY, (January 11th, 2021) began as a manuscript that I worked on during the 2017 Picture Books and All That Jazz workshop.” (Brittany J. Thurman)

Black Women Writers: A Retreat in Gratitude

This invitation-based, in-community program has been thoughtfully shaped by Renée Watson, Edith Campbell, and Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich to honor Black women (including cis and trans women) who have worked hard for decades to inspire children and lift up fellow creatives in this industry. It will amplify their Voices, honor their contributions, celebrate a rich tapestry of Black womens’ stories and experiences, and offer dedicated space and time for those who attend to create and grow. The retreat in 2024 will mark the program’s inaugural year.

Learn more about and support the program.

Amplify Black Stories

In partnership with the Highlights Foundation, The Brown Bookshelf presented a year-long program in 2021 set to amplify Black stories, with a focus on supporting Black storytellers while confronting industry challenges and fostering change.

Learn more about the program.