Tells the story of painter and teacher Alma Thomas, discussing her childhood, teaching career and activism. 

Motivated by the realization of global inequities, a young boy embraces his dual identities as an artist and activist, becoming an “Artivist” to make a difference by using his viral mural as a catalyst for positive change.

Edna loved to cook. Growing up on a farm in Freetown, Virginia, she learned the value of fresh, local, seasonal food from her Mama Daisy, as well as how to measure ingredients for biscuits using coins and to listen closely to her cakes to know when they were done. This title is also available as an eBook on Hoopla. 

Told in two acts, this lengthy picture book reveals how Wilson grew up to be one of the most influential American playwrights. Includes author’s note, a timeline of August Wilson’s life, a list of Wilson’s plays and a bibliography. You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby, as eBook on Hoopla, as eAudio on Hoopla, as video on Hoopla or as video on Hoopla with read along.

The story of Jackie Ormes, the first Black woman cartoonist to be nationally syndicated in the United States.

Discover the true story of NFL star Ernie Barnes, a boy who followed his dreams and became one of the most influential artists of his generation.

From Children’s Literature Legacy Award-winning author Nikki Grimes comes a feminist-forward new collection of poetry celebrating the little-known women poets of the Harlem Renaissance–paired with full-color, original art from female African-American illustrators. You can also check out this title as eAudio on OverDrive/Libby.

An illustrated biography of Nina Simone, an acclaimed singer whose music gave voice to the struggle for racial equality during the Civil Rights Movement. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby or as eAudio on OverDrive/Libby.

A celebration of Langston Hughes and African American authors he inspired, told through the lens of the party held at the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in 1991. 

This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on Libby.   

Partially-deaf, teenage prodigy Tyler Gordon presents bold paintings of more than 30 groundbreaking icons whose brave examples helped him deal with bullying. Brief commentaries explain Gordon’s choices and share insights about his painting process.

Based on the true story of artist Elijah Pierce and his community barbershop, this picture book biography is a new and engaging offering on a hidden figure in Black art history.