Parenting Decolonized 8. The Importance of Decolonizing Your Child’s Library
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Dec 19, 2019 Join Danielle Dunn, author of the children's book Ivy Locks and Detroit community activist, as she dives into the urgent need to decolonize children's libraries. She discusses how only 27% of children's books feature Black or Indigenous characters, stressing the importance of diverse representation for all children. Danielle shares her journey in creating inclusive literature, highlights the challenges of finding quality stories, and advocates for empowering kids through books that reflect their identities, fostering empathy and understanding.
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Origin of Ivy Locks book
- Danielle Dunn began creating the Ivy Locks book in 2002 with her best friend to provide books featuring Black children. - The project paused after her friend's illness and passing, later resumed in 2015 to honor her friend and Black representation.
Scarcity of Black Children's Books
- Black children's books remain scarce and inaccessible even in predominantly Black neighborhoods and major retailers. - Black parents must intentionally seek out and supply these books for their children due to this ongoing lack of availability.
Intentional Library Diversity
- All parents should intentionally diversify their children's libraries with books featuring diverse characters and Black protagonists. - This fosters empathy, broadens perspectives, and challenges white supremacy embedded in dominant literature.
