organization that creates spaces for lifelong learning centering the literature and scholarship of Black authors. The impact we want to have is multi-faceted, but ultimately the goal is to build communities of emancipated thinkers who use lessons from our shared history to move toward a just and benevolent future. 4. Congratulations on your book Omari’s Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe. What inspired you to write this children’s book. Thank you. Omari's Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe, my debut children's book, is a story about a little boy who finds his true gift, and realizes he's had what it takes all along. Inspiration came from many places: my family, the student-scholars who are in Sankofa programs, and the catastrophic climate crisis. It's important for children to understand that they, too, can play a vital role in caring for the earth, being a good neighbor, and standing up for issues which matter to them. 5. There seems to be an outpouring of support for your book. How does it make you feel to receive this kind of support? How does it feel? I'm elated the story resonates with so many people. More and more families realize the benefits of diversifying their bookshelves and are being intentional about making sure little readers have the opportunity to learn about perspectives that are different from theirs. I also deeply identify with the attitude of Langston Hughes when he said, "The Negro artists who create now intend to express our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame. We build our temples for tomorrow, strong as we know how, and we stand on top of the mountain free within ourselves." 6. How do you encourage children who may not have a love for reading to open their mind to reading? Unlocking the radical imagination is a process. I begin with the notion that every child is intelligent. Now, I've met children who've been told they weren't, but the truth is every child is intelligent. And when it sinks in for these intelligent little people that not only are there stories which reflect their interests, experiences, and identities, but there are people who care about their success and their ability to learn - they will invest, risk, and grow. It is a rather worthwhile process. 7. What is your favorite book? There are so many. How about my Top Five, as it is impossible to narrow it down to one. The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin. Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston. The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. Du Bois. Freedom is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement by Angela Davis. And Sula by Toni Morrison. 8. Are there plans to release another book? Yes. 9. How can people support Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group? We need culturally responsive volunteer readers for our summer storytimes and we're also collecting donations of gently used books for our free library which will be situated outside our studio at Mainframe Studios this June. Interested persons should inquire through our website, www.abenasankofa.com or through any of our social media pages. 10. Anything else you would like to share with our readers? Dr. Charles Drew's sentiment, "Excellence of performance transcends artificial barriers created by men," has portended nearly all of my major achievements. I feel a great sense of gratitude and wonderment to be able to do my purposed work as a writer, a scholar-practitioner, and a human. Sincere thanks to all who support the work now and in the future. I'm only getting warmed up. Yibambe. 9
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