Hey fam, this is my video explainer/pitch about the Social Justice Children’s Book Fair, what it does, and why its existence is so important right now. We’re in a $5k fundraising drive to match a $5k grant that was given to us. Since 2017 we’ve brought the funk here in the Bay Area re: Bipoc, Queer, Immigrant, and Social Justice minded kid lit creators. We have been volunteer based until last year and we’re trying to make our work more sustainable.
I’m one of several founders, and organizers of an annual book festival called the “Social Justice Children’s Book Fair”that takes place annually in the Bay Area since 2017. We highlight Bipoc, Queer, Immigrant, and Social Justice minded kid lit creators and we invite in literacy organizations.
Beyond the shit show of a presidency, there’s an intensifying attack on books from book banning, firing librarians or educators, burning books, death threats, to defunding entire libraries. Why? The bans are not new, but it’s gotten worse over the last 5 years. The types of books they go after are the kinds of folks me, librarians, parents, teachers, and my fellow organizers champion.
And that shit makes my blood boil. It’s not just a passion for me, this shit is personal. I hated reading growing up. There were few to zero mirrors in books back then for me. I know too well what happens when Bipoc/Queer stories are erased from shelves. It sends a message that says “You, your culture, your story, your life is unimportant. And I’m not having that shit.
As we approach our 9th year, we as an organization have big plans to expand our work. Already this year we were selected to partner with the Bay Area Book Festival to build out theirFamily Dayprogramming (come join us in Berkeley on May 31).
That’s just the beginning. We hope to launch an Award highlighting the best of indy social justice children’s books. We want to mentor aspiring creators, and so much more. The challenges are massive and to face them, we’re going to need back up.
With Over eight years of volunteering we’ve have laid a solid foundation. Now it is time for growth.
Peep. A dope creator offered to give us a $5k grant and we’re trying to match it in 30 days. If you’re on Facebook or Instagram, help us amplify the word. If you know folks who love kid lit, books, social justice, or children’s books that feature voices who’ve been ignored for too long. Share this with them and
❤️Fam, I’m so happy to share I’ll be at the 25th Annual “Malcolm X Jazz Festival” in Oakland May 17th, 11am-7pm selling books, prints, stickers, and more
🖤This event is Family friendly so bring your kids, elders, friends, folks , etc for food, jazz, vendors, graffiti, dance, politics, culture, and community.
💚This event is historic in its unity between Black, Asian, Latino, and working class activists and artists. You may have never been before, you might’ve missed it last year (as I did) , but this is your invitation to come home. Leave a comment below of why this is a good place to be. Go to East Side Arts Alliance to get more info!
Bring good energy, love, and an open mind .
Dig this? Check out some videos and info from Life is Living
This is pretty damn cool, I get to be an instructor alongside Michaela Ellis w/ young storytellers at thee FAIRYLAND! Isnt that cool, no? I have been going to Fairyland since the 80s yall. First as a child, then as a young parent in the mid 2000’s, and now as a writer/illustrator for the past 4-5 years and as a parent to mydaughter. This workshop is a way to get young storytellers some practice and community. We’ll be working on writing AND drawing our stories in this series so tell a friend. More info: https://fairyland.org/youthwriters
Dig this? Check out that time I was invited to lead a picture book workshop for MFA Comics students at CCA.
Folks, the time has come for the 8th annual Social Justice Children’s Book Fair! We have been working and planning on this one for a whole year! Peep this video.
📣 Some of y’all still might not know this but I’m one of many organizers of this little but powerful book fair for kids. We rep Bipoc, Queer, Social Justice Minded, traditionally published and self published creators trying get their work to kids. We started this in 2017 right after the first Trump Election. All volunteers, all gas for 8 yrs now. This year we finally got some funding via The Akonadi Foundation and fiscal sponsorship from The Social Good Fund w/the help of “Jill Kunishima”.
We’ve hosted hella authors, illustrators, publishers, organizations, and community. People in red states, shit even counties just outside of the town hate on it, but if you’re feeling some type of way-don’t forget the power of a small dedicated group of homies. Take a break, but keep going. Stay principled and curious. #socialjusticechildrensbookholidayfair
Hey, this is my first time doing this event. If you’re in Cupertino or San Ramon on the dates of these events please stop by and say hello. For more info go HERE.
Eyy, this Fall I will be at Fairyland again for their annual “Children’s Book Festival” featuring over 30 kidlit creators.
What is this? It’s a kid-lit event that brings Bay Area children’s literature authors and illustrators together with families for a full day of read-alouds and more. My book “Fresh Juice” will be available to buy from “Books on B” and I’d be happy to autograph it for you or your child! Tickets are available now: fairyland.org/book-festival
Check out the line up of who will be there! And come get your book signed:)
TOMORROW! We are so excited to return to Downtown Hayward for our 2nd art popup! At the historic Hayward Veterans Memorial Building on Saturday, August 10th from 11am – 4pm. Free to attend, donation options available.
Featuring over 40+ vendors ranging from handmade goods, stationery art, original paintings and so much more!
Food vendors and live DJ
Games, photo-ops and fun family activities
Admission: Free admission for attendees. All ages welcome. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult guardian.
Venue Policy: No outside food or alcohol beverages are allowed in the building. The venue has a service animal only policy in place.
Folks in the city, I will be at this year’s Summer West Coast Craft Fair June 8th-9th from 10am to 6pm. If you’re in San Francisco or nearby come see me. I’ll be at booth # G17. At this event-some incredible jewelry, plants, clothing, home decor, art, and food. This event is usually packed so I’d advise getting there early or on the later side.
Hey fam, if you’re in the South Bay this weekend come see me at the SJ Made Fest! I’ll be there alongside 250 vendors and there will be 50 food trucks, K-Pop performances, and a kitten lounge. Come through with your entire family, its free. MORE INFO HERE.
Here are some photos the SJ Made team took of me in my home studio:)
Dig this? Check out a photo of me selling at the Craneway Craft Fair in 2023
