Your Legacy
A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History
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5.0 • 2 Ratings
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
Your Legacy is a proud, empowering picture book introduction to African American history that celebrates and honors enslaved ancestors from author Schele Williams and illustrator Tonya Engel.
Your story begins in Africa.
Your African ancestors defied the odds and survived 400 years of slavery in America and passed down an extraordinary legacy to you.
Beginning in Africa before 1619, Your Legacy presents an unprecedentedly accessible, empowering, and proud introduction to African American history for children. While your ancestors’ freedom was taken from them, their spirit was not; this book celebrates their accomplishments, acknowledges their sacrifices, and defines how they are remembered—and how their stories should be taught.
“We are grateful to Schele and her dedication to making our beautiful history accessible to our children! Your Legacy is an educational and celebratory piece we’ve enjoyed sharing with our family. We are extremely excited for this story to be shared with other families as we continue to celebrate our rich history in this world.” —New York Times bestselling authors Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union Wade
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this heartfelt debut, Williams offers an impassioned account of the enslaved African people whose descendants became today's African Americans. The narrative surveys the abundance of cultures, languages, and kingdoms that comprise Africa at the genesis of the Black chattel slavery in the summer of 1619, as well as the Black social and civic leaders who have shaped African American history and culture. Engel's nature-centered, effervescent mixed media illustrations, rendered in acrylics, oils, printmaking, and collage on paper and wood, depict enslaved African peoples in vivid detail, including varied skin tones; elaborate clothing designs; and intricately plaited hairstyles. Weaving a connection between young Black readers and the historic figures and events that preceded them, the author-illustrator team highlights traits that they posit allowed Black people to survive historic oppression, among them strength, love, ingenuity, and grace. Engel further includes numbered spreads depicting notable Black inventors, such as Madam CJ Walker and George Washington Carver. A strikingly worthy introduction of 400 years of Black history to young readers, including the roots of American slavery, effectively conveying that slavery is far from the extent of Black history and influence. Ages 4–8. Author's agency: Creative Artists Agency. Illustrator's agency: Morgan Gaynin.
Customer Reviews
Beautiful
Beautifully illustrated and written. This book is educational, and inspiring for all readers.