Black Is . . .

About the Book

We live in a world where little black girls still favor white Barbie dolls. Additionally, an overwhelming number of black boys still want to be entertainers or sports stars instead of intellectuals. Research shows that even in this new millennia, in spite of the fact that we have had a black president, these disparaging views are still present in black society. Part of this discouraging phenomenon is due to the negative images of black people still portrayed in the news and in social media on a daily basis. There are also other subliminal messages that black is bad. For instance, bad guys wear black, black cats are bad luck, and witches are known for using “Black Magic”. It is imperative that these images are persistently and consistently combated with positive messages of what it means to be black, and the beauty of things that are black. Numerous studies indicate powerful correlations between students’ self-concept and their subsequent academic achievement. Children of all races, colors, and creeds who feel good about themselves ultimately have higher student achievement as a result. Those of us who are committed to closing the achievement gap for black children across the diaspora must continue to look for ways to help build these children’s concepts of the black experience. Black is….is an inspirational book which introduces young children to strong, vigorous vocabulary words which can be used to positively describe the black experience. It contains colorful and engaging pictures that can be utilized to explain, discuss and uplift in the process of exploring black history and culture.

About the Author

Dr. Heather Townsend is a native of the Philadelphia area. Growing up with an enthusiastic and passionate teacher for a mother, Dr. Townsend was enthralled with education at an early age. Following in both her parents’ footsteps, Dr. Townsend attended Temple University for both undergraduate school and her master’s degree. She has served as an educator in many capacities since 1994. Beginning as an elementary teacher in urban schools, she recognized the overwhelming and dire need for children of color to embrace a sense of cultural dignity and self-esteem. She began teaching workshops, giving speeches, and mentoring youth and families in addition to her daily teaching requirements. In 2005, Dr. Townsend earned her doctorate in educational leadership at Wilmington University, with a focus on African-centered education and its impact on children of African descent. She is a founding board member of an education agency, One Village Alliance, and of the First State Montessori Charter School, both of which service children in Delaware. She has also served as en education director, student advisor, academic excellence chair, and curricular coach. Dr. Townsend loves being genuinely connected with diverse groups of people. She enjoys quality time with her husband, children, parents, extended family, and friends.