Source: Pexels
Children being represented in media and literature plays a crucial role in child development and growth. Exposing children to positive representation helps children to have an understanding of various cultures which develops empathy and respect for different cultures. For black children representation in books shown in a positive light deeply matters, for a very long time black children grew up without seeing strong and powerful role models in books and media. Research shows that when black children identify positively with characters that are the same ethnicity as themselves in books and education, leads to high self-esteem for black children on many levels.
Children also tend to be vulnerable to mainstream media messages, as they create their beliefs about others and themselves by what they see.
Here is a list of a few positive representations in books and media which concentrates on well-being and supports the importance of diverse, realistic and inclusive representation:
Books
Makeda’s Keys to Success written by Mellisa Ama Genfi
Makeda is a young black girl that wants to be successful in the 21st century. Makeda’s mission is to learn STEM, global citizenship, business & financial concepts and black history.
Round & Round written by Jeremy Alan Salmon
Round and Round is a rhyming storybook that teaches group economics from an early age. The book encourages the community of young business owners to support, buy and sell to one another.
I Am Every Good Thing written by Derrick Barnes
An inspiring book that celebrates black boyhood and black boy joy.
I’m A Pretty Princess written by Crystal Swain-Bates
Makayla is a pretty black princess who understands that being a princess isn’t just about wearing fancy things, she also understands that to be the best princess you have to work hard in all that you do.
Glory: Magical Visions of Black Beauty written by Kahran Bethencourt and Regis Bethencourt
Glory is a photography book that shatters the conventional standards of beauty for black children. Beautiful images with various shades of black beauty and visual storytelling.
Black Heroes: A Black History Book for Kids: 51 Inspiring People from Ancient Africa to Modern-Day U.S.A written by Arlisha Norwood
Extraordinary black heroes throughout history, biographies of great ancient Egyptian rulers, brillant scientists, legendary musicians, and civil rights activists all in one book.
Media
Bino and Fino
Source: Bino and Fino.com
A dynamic brother and sister duo Bino and Fino who live in Nigeria with their family. Bino and Fino have various adventures with their good friend Zeena the magic butterfly, they learn and discover about Africa and the rest of the world.
Akili and Me
Source: akiliandme.com
Every night Akili and her animal friends enter the magical world of Lala land, they learn about language, letters, numbers and art.
Gracie’s Corner
Source: Graciescorner.youtube.com
Gracie’s Corner creates fun engaging songs that empowers and educates children with an emphasis on learning.
OmoBerry
Source: omoberry.com
OmoBerry’s aim is to entertain, educate and empower the next generation of little digital learners, Omoberry’s curriculum-based episodes and songs cover topics related to STEM learning, cross-cultural experiences, character development and self-esteem building.
Super Sema
Source: supersema.youtube.com
Superhero Super Sema who uses science, technology, engineering, the arts and math to save her society.
Jools TV
Source: Joolstv.com
Trapery rhyme creators provide fun and informative edutainment videos that represent the black culture in a positive and accurate way.
Karma’s World
Source: Netflix.com
Karma a gifted lyricist juggles her rap dreams using her rhyming talent to solve the problems around her.
Ada Twist Scientist
Source: 9story.com
A young black girl scientist that asks big questions, and explores people through discovery.
Kids Black History
Source: kidsblackhistory.youtube.com
If you’re looking to teach your children black history in a fun way, join Raiyah and learn key facts on all things Africa.
Tabtime
Source: tabtime.youtube.com
Preschool series starring Tabitha Brown who teaches children to live their best lives. The show emphasises cooking, storytelling and other fun activities.
By Mellisa Genfi
Check out books and educational prints with positive black representation!
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