This collection is a compilation of quotations by and portraits of prominent contemporary and historical African American icons paired with one- to two- sentence biographies. Each bold portrait is drawn comic-book style: thick, black lines with white spaces that pop against solid-color backgrounds. In many, the subject’s accomplishment or profession is incorporated into the portrait: Serena Williams is drawn swinging a tennis racket; Cathay Williams holds a sword and wears a U.S. Army uniform. Others, such as MC Ride and Poly Styrene, are rapping, singing, or simply appearing to be captured mid- speech. The individuals included in the collection are diverse in their talents: artists, musicians, politicians, writers, academics, athletes, activists, and more. They were chosen for inclusion because all were “people whose words and lives spoke to [Wimberly] personally.” Their quotations, which range from offhand to profound and thought-provoking, will undoubtedly strike a chord with readers, too. (Age 11 and older)

A look at Black History framed by those who made it.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN ITS OWN WORDS presents quotes of dozens of black luminaries with portraits & illustrations by Ronald Wimberly. Featuring the memorable words and depictions of Angela Davis, Jean-Michael Basquiat, Kanye West, Zadie Smith, Ice Cube, Dave Chappelle, James Baldwin, Spike Lee and more.