Author of children’s book on historic African Americans to speak
The Lewes Public Library and Browseabout Books will welcome Rochelle Riley, co-author of the new children’s book “That They Lived: African Americans Who Changed the World” for a live, online discussion at 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 7, via Zoom. She will be joined in conversation by author Tamara Winfrey-Harris.
“That They Lived” is a unique collaboration between Riley and photographer Cristi Smith-Jones featuring striking photographs of Riley’s grandson Caleb and Smith-Jones’ daughter Lola dressed as notable African American historical figures. Each photo is paired with a detailed biography beginning at childhood, showing that these inspiring individuals, like the reader, were once children as well, and in some cases overcame great obstacles to achieve their dreams. In reflecting on the images and life stories, young readers will understand they too can achieve great things and make the world a better place for all.
Riley is director of arts and culture for the city of Detroit and edited the 2020 book “The Burden: African Americans and the Enduring Impact of Slavery.” As a columnist for the Detroit Free Press for nearly 20 years, she was an award-winning voice for children and an advocate for improved education, government, and race relations.
Winfrey-Harris is a writer who specializes in the intersections of race and gender. She is the author of “The Sisters are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women in America,” and her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Atlantic and other media.
The discussion is free to the public. Registration is required. To sign up, go to lewes.lib.de.us and visit the Virtual Programs for Adults page.
Participants also are encouraged to support the author by purchasing a copy of the book from local independent bookstore Browseabout Books. Each copy purchased comes with an archival bookplate signed by the author. Orders may be placed online at browseaboutbooks.com, by calling the store at 302-226-2665, or in person at 133 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach.
