Katura J. Hudson

Last week, I participated in a youth literacy group’s Women’s History Month program by sharing daily writing prompts with students.  My last writing prompt was about broadening our idea of whose lives and accomplishments “deserve” celebration. Women who break records and make history are definitely important to recognize. But how do we also honor those who might not be famous or make headlines? So on this final day of Women’s History Month 2020, I want to shine a light on the great women you see in the image below. Some you’ll recognize; some you may not. They are just a few of the many women who’ve inspired me, challenged me & helped me grow. 

For Women's History Month, Librarian and scholar Edith Campbell invited authors to share what they imagine for Black girls. For me, it's feeling free. Read my post on her blog .

Someone recently asked me for tips to help him read more. It’s funny because I feel I can use some tips myself.  As an author, editor, and communication strategist, I read a lot. I write a lot. I edit a lot. Manuscripts, blogs, articles, social media content. So much social media content. But I haven’t always spent that time reading books - at least not as much time as I’d like.  Over the past two years, I made it a goal to read and enjoy more books. And I have. These days, I read a book or two a month. I’m pretty happy with that. Here are a few tips that helped me find and make time to read more books: 1. Decrease screen time. I think many of us actually do have time to read. We just spend it doing things like watching TV, streaming, or scrolling on social. There's nothing wrong with those things, but if you're having trouble finding *extra* time, start there. (I took the TV out of my bedroom last year and that made a big difference. It eliminated a lot of mindless watching.)...

It was great to be back at Weeksville in Brooklyn for another wonderful event - this time Well-Read Black Girl's first ever Family Day.  I've been going to the Well-Read Black Girl Festival since its first year, and it's always an amazing and affirming experience. So I was beyond excited to learn that founder Glory Edim and her team were expanding the event to reach our community's youngest readers, and happy to participate as a featured author. In addition to author readings, we enjoyed storytelling, face painting, music and of course lots of books.  My mom, Cheryl Willis Hudson, was also a featured author and we got to hang out with award-winning author and friend Rita Williams-Garcia, so you know it was a great day!

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...