Katura J. Hudson

Like millions, I grew up with her work. But I feel like I just *met* her this summer when I saw her doc “Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am.” Especially because I watched it in community with Well Read Black Girl, a group that celebrates Black literature and sisterhood. Eternally grateful for Toni Morrison’s life, her example, her work, and words like these: “We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.” - Toni Morrison Photo description: Toni Morrison is smiling with her hands partially folded

‪I spent the past two weekends with culture carriers, truth tellers, game changers, and history makers.‬⁣ Last week was the Highlights Foundation Cultural Competency workshop. This weekend it was the 50th anniversary of the Coretta Scott King Awards. The Coretta Scott King Awards recognize outstanding books for children and young adults created by Black authors and illustrators. The first CSK Award was presented in 1970, just two years after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination, to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King and her work for peace. The Awards are presented annually at the American Library Association (ALA) Conference. It had been years since I attended ALA. #CSK50 was such a great occasion to return. I missed the big 50th anniversary gala on Friday, but made it to DC on Saturday in time for an intimate celebration with fellow Black book creators and Black librarians. I also had a little time to visit the ALA exhibits and got to meet Terry Nathan, COO of the Independent Bo...

 I usually live tweet diversity workshops/events I attend. I didn’t for the Building Cultural Competency in Children’s Publishing Symposium at @Highlights Foundation.  I wanted to be fully present. Even handwriting notes seemed a bit intrusive. Yes, it was that deep. My biggest takeaway was that we all need to come to the page with questions - whether you’re a writer, reader, illustrator, editor, librarian or teacher.  -Who’s centered in the story? -Who’s silenced or misrepresented?  -Is the story upholding stereotypes?  -What are YOUR identities and how do they shape what you’re writing, reading or suggesting that others read? Then, take action.  That might mean #booktoss for biased books or deciding you are not the best author to write a particular story.  And it should always mean supporting more #ownvoices books and getting more of them onto shelves & into kids’ hands, Examining our books & ourselves is hard & necessary ONGOING work. Th...

My book, I’m a Big Sister Now , illustrated by the amazing talented Sylvia Walker, won the 2019 Benjamin Franklin Award for picture books (ages 4-7).  The award was presented by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) at the 31st Annual Benjamin Franklin Award program, held in Chicago on April 5, 2019. What’s extra special is that the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards recognize excellence and innovation in independent publishing - judging both editorial and design of each entry. So this is an honor that Sylvia and I share!!  I’m a Big Sister Now and its companion title, I’m a Big Brother Now were published by Marimba Books, an imprint of Just Us Books.  

I made my second trip to Cuba this February, as part of a delegation of Black publishers & writers. The purpose of our visit was to participate in the Havana International Bookfair. But given what’s important to us, Cuba’s history & the deep roots we share - the trip was even bigger than books.  Our delegation was 23 strong - Black publishers, writers, academics, and book lovers, and our visit  included support of other Cuban literary, cultural, and community institutions. We visited Casa de las Americas, a cultural institution founded in 1959 that promotes and supports Latin American and Caribbean arts and culture. There we spent time with Zuleica Romay Guerra, its program director, who talked about their work and Cuba's need for books that reflect Black people. Our group donated lots of our books to the organization. In the third photo below, we're surrounding Zuleica in a circle of love and support. We also went to Edicione Vigia in Matanzas, where they hand make bo...

Creativity was a big focus for me this year. I wanted to step up my support of Black creatives in particular, and invest more in my own creativity.  So I was beyond geeked that I had an opportunity to write in Langston Hughes’ Harlem home, thanks to I, Too Arts Collective. A ‘space to create’ was just what I needed.  

If you follow JaydeKamille_ on Instagram, you already know she is a GREAT big sister. I'm so glad she could relate to my new book. It's like a big sister stamp of approval.  Watch her super adorable video about I'm A Big Sister Now . The book officially launches tomorrow, October 15, 2018. (yay!)