Lauren Simone Blogs

Scholastic, the company known for its popular Book Fairs in elementary schools, is making a significant change this year. They have created a new collection called "Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice," which includes 64 books focusing on topics related to race and LGBTQ+ themes. These books are being separated from the main Book Fair offerings, allowing elementary schools to decide whether to include them or exclude them from their book fairs. This decision comes in response to the targeting of such titles by conservative legislators in various states. Scholastic's intent in creating this collection is to provide "diverse titles"...

According to Emma Bowman from NPR, author Maggie Tokuda-Hall was initially excited when Scholastic expressed interest in licensing her 2022 children's book, "Love in the Library." The prospect of reaching a broader audience for her love story set in a World War II incarceration camp for Japanese Americans, inspired by her grandparents and centered around finding joy in a dehumanizing environment, was promising. According to the author, the agreement with Scholastic hinged not only on removing that portion but also on entirely eliminating the word "racism" from the author's note.  However, her excitement waned as soon as she read the...

Written by Sophia Conti While the economic challenges of the last few years have tested organizations of all stripes, Black-owned businesses closed their doors at twice the rate of other businesses during the pandemic. Studies show that less access to the financial system and lack of family wealth to draw from – both key avenues of financial security during economic slowdowns – are partly to blame. Consumer spending habits are another major challenge for Black-owned businesses, which can struggle to scale up because of a misperception that their target market is a narrow demographic. Minority-owned businesses, however, are often marketing to...

The Harlem Book Fair is an iconic annual literary event that celebrates African-American literature, culture, and community. Founded in 1998, the fair gathers authors, publishers, readers, and literary enthusiasts to Harlem, New York, for a vibrant day of book signings, panel discussions, workshops, and performances. It provides a platform for both established and emerging writers to showcase their work, engage in meaningful conversations, and connect with a diverse audience. With its focus on highlighting the voices and stories of Black authors and creators, the Harlem Book Fair serves as a dynamic space for promoting literacy, fostering dialogue, and fostering a...