In photo pictured above, one man is on his laptop reviewing something, while another closely examines religious videos.
As I’m sitting in my seat on my greyhound bus ride I watch these fellows closely. Jewish boys and men, studying, watching, reading scripture and performing other ritualistic acts in reverence to YHWH and their religion. I can’t help but feel moved by their commitment and dedication to this. I think about how this is who they are, it’s a lifestyle. My eyes follow closely as a teenage boy pulls out his Tefillin, wrapping it around his bicep down to the tip of his finger then tying another around his head. He does all of this while standing straight up —looking at me & other onlookers in a “Can I help you?” kind of way. No shame, no embarrassment, just faith that he is doing the right thing.
This caused me to immediately look at my own faith and lifestyle. Am I going through this life in a way that shows others who I really am? Or at least who I am striving to become? Can people tell from the way I carry myself, dress, act, and treat others who it is that I belong to or represent? Whoever/whatever it is that you praise, be sure to embody that in every way.
Thank you for sending them my way God.
In Eternal Love,
Sarah L.
A beautiful and inspiring story of the life of Jean-Michel Basquiat a legendary artist from Brooklyn, New York who inspired generations of artists that came after him. One thing I find to be amazing about this book is how the Javanka interprets Basquiat’s work in this book, as none of it is Basquiat’s original artwork. In the foreword Javanka encourages his readers to create their own art by collecting materials from people and places in their environment. This story is very informational and highlights important aspects in the complex life of Jean-Michel. Mental illness is also touched on in this book as Basquiat’s mother suffered from it; Javanka says, “I also wanted young readers and the adults in their lives to be able to use Basquiat’s story as a catalyst for conversation and healing.” Nonetheless, this book serves as a powerful tool to encourage children to color/draw/paint imperfectly, because the 
Ahh!! This book is brilliant and was simply a joy to read… and look at! Photographer, Charles R. Smith found this original poem written by Langston and decided to bring its words to life. And he DID THAT! What I love so much about this book is that it shows black people of all different shades, features, ages etc. demonstrating to all that while we stand collectively, there are a number of things that make us unique to one another. In the photographer’s notes at the end of the book he talks about his inspiration for creating the book and how he made his decisions. Charles says something that is very important and that was, “Only black people would be in the book, since they are who Langston celebrated. His words were not meant to dismiss other races; just to celebrate his own.” This a very important concept we should teach our children as early as possible and one we should remember as we continue through life.
Now I have to confess, I found and read this book more for me personally than anyone else. Haha! I am a lover of all things Langston Hughes and I saw a lot of myself in this little girl. This book is a tale of a Harlem girl who visits Langston’s home with her father, she too, is a poet. She talks about who Langston was and raves about her special trip to his house. First of all, I need to visit Langston’s house now! And second, I think this was a great way to connect an American cultural hero to the youth of today. While Langston lived during times of heartache and pain, he still created a number of masterpieces (novels, children’s stories, lyrics for musicals, plays etc.) exhibiting his hopes for a better tomorrow. This is a beautiful and inspiring book for both children and adults.
This book is calls out every Black child and asks them very important questions… questions that I feel a lot of people forget to actually ask black children regularly. This book is a reminder not only to the Black child, but to everyone who reads it, that you can do anything you imagine. We are not predisposed to stupidity (that is not funny – it is offensive & I’ve witnessed people laugh when that was said), we are not less than, we are not less capable, WE. ARE. NOT. LESS. This book is saying exactly this using other words and it charges the upcoming generations to aspire to take on leadership positions to positively impact our nation.
Listennnnnnn, if you have or know a young boy who knows how DOPE it is to get a FRESH CUT! This is the book you NEED. It truly captures the essence of “Black Boy Joy” and the emotions that come from getting a fresh hair cut at your local barbershop. It warmed my heart to also see different hair types depicted in the book — locks, braids, low cut, fade… even a woman with a tapered side (like I used to have) man oh man! I smiled as I read this, because it’s exactly what our little ones need to feel their very best! With or without a haircut, this book shares with the world a very special experience, that words have not been able to describe, in such an impeccable way.
sweetSARendipity 