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Celebrated author Karen Good Marable talks about her debut children’s book ‘Yaya And The Sea’

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8 months ago

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Laylah Amatullah Barrayn; Simon and Schuster/Tonya Engel

The importance of positive books with black characters for black children, and albeit, for kids, is unquestionable – at the very least not here. We know the impact that reading funny, engaging, and even whimsical stories with individuals who appear like them can have on our youngsters. Telling our stories beyond conflict, hardship and trauma has unquestionable power, especially for young, precious minds. They are still being shaped and have an innocence and curiosity about the world that we regularly lose on the opposite side of middle school.

So once we heard that veteran wordsmith Karen Good Marable had created a children’s book about just a little girl named Yaya who visited the ocean with her mother and three aunts on the primary day of spring, we were greater than excited. Marable’s name has appeared in lots of books and publications, from , , and, in fact, . But more importantly, she is a mother, an aunt (each by blood and surrogate), a niece and an artist who has consciously focused on culture throughout her impressive twenty-year profession.

We got to discuss with the Prairie View, Texas resident about the magical day over 20 years ago that inspired her to jot down what her little daughter thinks of the book and the incontrovertible fact that, yes, the tooth fairy can – and does – stop by black children’s homes, too.

ESSENCE.COM: How long did it take you to jot down?

KAREN GOOD MARABEL: was originally a journal entry I wrote on an A train in 2001. My friends and I took the very same trip I describe within the book, and it was a bit Yaya too! I used to be moved by Yaya’s unexpected presence that day (my mother did not have a nanny) and I wrote the story through her eyes. (Yaya was five years old on the time). Fast forward to 2018; Denene Millner z Books by Denene Millner/Simon & Schuster Kids asks me if I’ve ever written a children’s book. I told her I had written a story with a baby in it, but I wasn’t sure if it was for kids. She said, “Let me read it.” I wrote it down – thank God I keep journals – and he or she loved it.

You’ve been a longtime editor, journalist and author for over twenty years, profiling celebrities from DMX to Lauryn Hill for canopy stories. How was the technique of writing this book different out of your previous work? And how was it the identical?

The technique of writing Yaya and the Sea was different in that the text and illustrations needed to work together. I needed to learn to not say or describe every part and as a substitute let the illustrations do what they were meant to do. One of the similarities between my previous work and writing is that it relies on a real story. This is me writing about my life. In recent years, my work has mainly consisted of private essays, poetry and memories, so Yaya is a continuation of this trend.

What was it like working with illustrator Tonya Engel on this project?

. Tonya Engel dropped at life! When I first saw her illustrations for the book, I cried. This is our first time working together and I’m honored that Denene and the ancestors have seen fit to bring us closer together. In terms of cooperation, there was no real contact between us. There might need been an occasional query about a scene within the book, like a New York subway or a bodega, but Tonya had clearly done her research. Her illustrations are paintings. Therefore, once I talk about an image book, I also mean an image book as a murals, something to be collected. Valuable. As a lovely book in your library. I view the work of Tom Feelings and Faith Ringgold in the same way.

One of the important thing elements of this book is how the Yaya aunties love her and one another. Was it vital to you to place that within the book – the love between girls and the love we give and receive as aunts?

This was very vital. Throughout my life, at every stage, there has all the time been a sisterhood, whether it was the coven of six girls I used to be born into growing up in Prairie View, Texas; my Wheatley Hall crew from the fourth floor at Howard University; or the sisterhood I joined in my early twenties while living in Brooklyn, Oya’s Elements. Oh, and I grew up with the very best aunt on the planet. My Aunt Nita (short for Juanita) is famous. Quintessential and irreplaceable. She is the role model aunt I hold for all my nieces and nephews, real and funny.

When I became a mother, I actually began to know the necessity for “auntie love.” My daughter all the time says, “Mom, I have lots of aunts!” That is, a circle of sisters who love and take care of her (and laugh with her). A secure space to which he can return repeatedly. I like that that is displayed in .

What feedback have you ever received out of your daughter, Mia Pearl, about this book?

I used to be afraid to point out the book to my daughter to whom it was dedicated. Kids give it to you straight, and I already felt so rattling vulnerable. But I finally showed her the folded and picked up pages when the book was in its early stages. The very first thing she said was (knowing Aunt Renée was me), “Wait a minute. Were you naked in the ocean?” And when she got to the tip: “I adore it. Good job, mom.

In your author’s note, you state that children remind adults to be honest and real. What did Mia Pearl teach you about honesty and truth?

My child insists that I be honest with her, which requires me to be honest with myself. In , the aunts knew that little Yaya was on the shore watching them, which was humbling and honorable. You model sacred work. Children are innocent. Untainted. This innocence have to be protected. Respectable. You make these earliest impressions because adults are answerable for this purity. That doesn’t suggest the tooth fairy won’t stop by or we cannot go see Black Santa at Greenbriar Mall [in Atlanta]. But that is also a part of the magic.

What else would you prefer to tell the ESSENCE audience about?

As a part of the promotion, along with Saturday mornings with children, I run family-friendly salons for adults. Parents, aunts and uncles, those that buy books, read to children. People who see picture books as artworks that might be present in any library. We take themes present in ritual, intention, community and elevate them for adults. There is music, food, wine, a brief discussion, and a ritual. It’s time. You can find more information about these salons on my website Instagram account and mine website.


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

Published

2 days ago

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December 9, 2024

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

Published

2 days ago

on

December 9, 2024

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.

Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

“There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

Published

2 days ago

on

December 9, 2024

By

Instagram

With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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