Bearing the same name as Nina Simone’s iconic song, “Young, Gifted, and Black” explores the lives of 52 black people, both past and present, who have helped shaped different aspects of black culture.

As author Jamia Wilson explains in the foreword, “this book is a love letter to our ancestors and the next generation of black changemakers,” and it truly is, breaking the mold of most books on black history to include current black revolutionaries while also paying homage to those from the past. Using muted neon colors and varying shapes and patterns, illustrator Andrea Pippins crafts wild backdrops and quirky, unique portraits to accompany the short biographies, breathing life and character into Wilson’s words. I was pleasantly surprised to see contemporary heroes like Zadie Smith and Simon Biles featured alongside historic figures such as Josephine Baker and Maya Angelou, as highlighting such a diverse group of people allows children to discover new role models they may have never known existed.

This is a great introductory book to give to any child interested in history and could serve as a launching point for adults looking to introduce their children to a diverse mix of historical figures.

This review is generously provided by Takoma Bookstore Supervisor, Melanie Kates.

The Making of Busboys and Poets

A Seat at the Table: The Making of Busboys and Poets

We’re proud to announce A Seat at the Table: The Making of Busboys and Poets, the new memoir from our CEO and Founder, which reveals the vision, challenges, and triumphs behind opening Busboys and Poets. Packed with misadventures, unexpected triumphs, and insights on race, business and politics, Andy Shallal’s memoir takes us on a “How I Built … Continued

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For Langston Hughes on His 123 Birthday

Speech given on February 1, 2024 in Havana, Cuba In 1927 Langston Hughes walked into a Cuba amid an emerging community of artists, intellectuals, and radicals.  He saw a “sunrise in a new land [– a day – in his words]sic – full of brownskin surprises, and hitherto unknown contacts in a world of color.”  … Continued

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Palestine Week 2024

January 18, 2024 – January 25, 2024 In keeping with our ongoing mission of uplifting racial and cultural connections, Busboys and Poets is hosting Palestine Week (January 18 through January 25, 2024). This week-long series of events will offer a diverse range of programming featuring Palestinian food, music, dance, poetry, discussions, and other enriching events. … Continued

Ramadan and the Games

Ramadan and the Games

Olympic games callously scheduled during the holiest of months for Muslims – Ramadan

Right to Know Our Food

Right to Know Our Food

Once again the issue of transparency and trust in our food system arises

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Everest Base Camp #7

Viva la lucha! Not today. Not yet. Waking up at 2 am is never a good idea no matter where you’re going. But alas here I am sitting on the edge of my king size bed, having used every inch of it throughout the night, contemplating what’s ahead. Last night, room service hit the spot. … Continued

Website WCGA 2.0 Accessible Verified by Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind

Website WCGA 2.0 Accessible Verified by Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind

Proud to announce that after working with the Accessibility Assurance Department at Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, the Busboys and Poets website scored a 92% accessibility compliance against WCAG 2.0 level AA. This means that individuals who require alternative access to printed digital content will have comparable access and use of the website as do … Continued