Nadia's Notables Newsletter
February 2024
In this edition…
OLA 2024 Recap
Sankofa’s Pen 10th Anniversary Winter Gathering
Canadian Children’s Book Week Tour 2024
What’s Up Next
From Nadia’s desk
Greetings Readers,
January breezed by and now I enter the whirlwind of February. Black History Month/ African Liberaton Month/Black Futures Month tends to be a busier time for Black artists like me, as the number of presentations increase. I made the decision in the fall that I would take a leave of absence from my elementary teaching job in order to keep up with the demand. Not only will I be presenting in schools and libraries, but I will also be presenting in a community centre in the Bronx, delivering keynote addresses at two conferences, and presenting workshops. I look forward to meeting my readers and focusing on some projects in the works.
Happy reading!
Nadia
OLA 2024 Recap
What an amazing time was had at our #CakeRiceandPlantains: #TheAntiracistKitchen and the #racialjustice anthology for young audiences panel at the #OntarioLibraryAssociation 2024 #SuperConference. The panel took place 3:45-5pm on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
I was the moderator of the panel which featured contributors authors Dr. #SarahRaughley, #AinaraAlleyne, #SusanYoon, and #SKAli.
I presented a short lecture then asked questions to each panelist. They spoke with authenticity and heart. I appreciated each one’s contribution.
Then we had an opportunity for the audience to ask thoughtful and practical questions.
Thanks 🙏🏾 so much to author #SadéSmith for being our convenor, when our assigned convenor was unable to attend.
Truthfully, I was a little nervous leading up to the event but I think lunch with some of the panelists beforehand helped me to ease my nerves, and thankfully, I prepared well. I also think that I had a panel of competent, professional, and informed writers who helped to make this presentation a success.
Thank you to the #OLA for selecting my proposal.
Thanks so much to all of the #librarians and #educators who made the time to attend this session and purchase #TheAntiracistKitchen.
Let’s #GetLoud.
I had a book signing for #TheAntiracistKitchen for which I edited and contributed. This took place at the #Orcabooks booth in the #OLA exhibit hall, before our panel which featured contributors authors Dr. #SarahRaughley, #AinaraAlleyne, #SusanYoon, and #SKAli.
It was so wonderful to meet teachers and librarians from across Canada and meeting fans of my writing in person. Thank you to everyone who lined up for copies of #TheAntiracistKitchen.
Thank you #OrcaBooks for supporting me and the rest of its author by hosting so many signings over two days of the #OLASuperConference.
Sankofa’s Pen 10th Anniversary Winter Gathering
Ten years ago, I hosted the first Sankofa’s Pen gathering at @csitoronto #Annex. On Sun. Jan. 21, 2024, we celebrated the 10th Anniversary at the #EthiopianHouse restaurant in #Toronto.
Founded in 2014 by me, Nadia L. Hohn, Sankofa’s Pen (formerly known as African-Canadian Writers for Children and Young Adults, ACWCYA) is a group that supports writers and illustrators of African or Caribbean descent and paves a way of opportunity for Black writers and illustrators for children and young adults currently living or formerly residing in Canada. It provides opportunities for writers and illustrators to network and collaborate. Sankofa’s Pen promotes the work and books of and advocates for more diversity in children’s books.
In 2014 and 2015, I organized monthly in-person gatherings around different topics in which we shared information about different topics like Writing About Black History.
As numbers dwindled and I dealt with personal challenges, I decided to focus on the Facebook group and the growth of my own writing career. Over the years, numbers grew to over 250 Black Canadian members living in Canada 🇨🇦 and beyond.
In January 2023, I decided to start in-person gatherings again, quarterly.
Last Sunday, we celebrated 10 years. I hope to have more events to gather and share. Thanks 🙏🏾 to everyone who attended.
If you’re a Black Canadian Kidlit or yalit creator, please request to join the #SankofasPen Facebook group.
Stay tuned for more events.
Canadian Children’s Book Week Tour 2024
I’m going on the road! In Manitoba! I’ll never forget my first time there— in 2002.
This will be my second time taking part in #CanadianChildrensBookWeek 2024 Presenter. I was a presenter in 2019 for TD Canadian Children’s Book Week in southern #Alberta. It was an amazing and memorable experience. I visited schools and libraries in #Calgary, #Strathmore, #FortMacLeod, #CanyonCreek, and #Coaldale.
I know the 2024 tour will be epic.
Congratulations to all of the selected tour participants. I am so happy to see more #BIPOC #kidlit creators. The most diverse tour roster ever!
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this exciting event. Apply to host a Book Week visit today! Application deadline is February 9, 2024. Link in https://www.bookcentre.ca/book-week/who-is-touring.
To donate, to learn more about each presenter, or to find out how your school can participates, please visit www.kidsbookcentre.com, or linktr.ee/nadialhohn.
What’s up next?
