KRLemmons African American Biography, Resources

March 23 Woman of the Day: Patricia Roberts Harris

Patricia Roberts Harris, who joined the ancestors on March 23, 1985 is March 23 Woman of the Day.  She was the first African American woman to become a cabinet member, the first to head a law school and the first to serve as an ambassador.  Read about this pioneer woman here:

More information about Patricia Roberts Harris:

National Museum of African American History and Culture: http://go.si.edu/site/MessageViewer?em_id=17367.0&dlv_id=19421

Encyclopedia Britannica: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/255927/Patricia-Roberts-Harris

KRLemmons African Authors, Resources

Ambassadors for Literacy

Walter Dean Myers was recently appointed  the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature by the Library of Congress.  He is an excellent choice for this position.  He is a prolific writer of children’s and young adult books, and he relates very well to children and young adults.  I believe Myers will be very influential and successful in this role.  I wish him Godspeed.  For more information on this announcement, click on LOC.

Another person championing for literacy and books is Yohannes Gebregeorgis.  A native Ethiopian, he co-founded Ethiopia Reads, a philanthropic organization committed to bringing literacy to the children of Ethiopia.  He has a facebook page so you can learn more about him and his organization.

I’m sure there are more well-known “ambassadors” or “champions” for literacy.  If you know of some, please feel free to let me know.  However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention public librarians, library media specialists, teacher-librarians, educators, and others who promote reading and literacy.  Each time you read a story, or suggest a book to a reader, you are an ambassador for literacy and reading.  Whether or not your name is mentioned in a local or national paper, just know that you are making a difference in the life of a child or young adult.  Keep up the good work!