University at Buffalo (UB)
Authors of Color in Schools
The Authors of Color in Schools program is a racial literacy initiative designed to bring children's book authors into direct contact with local school children through engaging workshops. In this program, children read a selected book by a BIPOC author and participate in an interactive event with that writer. Students participating in Say Yes Buffalo summer programs participate in these workshops which provide them with the opportunity to delve deeper into the stories they read, understand the creative process behind them and gain inspiration from diverse voices.
Goals for this program
- Promote Literacy and Reading Engagement: Encourage a love for reading among school children by exposing them to diverse and engaging literature authored by writers of color.
- Foster Cultural Awareness and Diversity: Increase students' understanding and appreciation of different cultures and perspectives through literature, promoting inclusivity and diversity in their learning experiences.
- Inspire Young Writers and Creators: Motivate and inspire children to explore their creative writing and storytelling abilities by interacting with and learning from established authors of color.
- Enhance Educational Experiences: Provide unique, enriching educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting, allowing students to connect with authors and delve deeper into the themes and messages of the books they read.
Date: Thursday, July 25, 2024 | 12 p.m.
Book: "Speculation"
Author: Nisi Shawl is the author of the middle-grade novel "Speculation" and is a multiple-award-winning writer and editor. Their novel "Everfair" was nominated for the Nebula Award for Best Novel, and the short story collection "Filter House" won the James Tiptree Jr. Award. They co-founded the Carl Brandon Society to help give people of color greater visibility in the science fiction and fantasy worlds, and their "Writing the Other" workshops and accompanying book (co-created with Cynthia Ward and K. Tempest Bradford) have taught thousands of writers new ways of thinking about diversity and representation within fiction.