How Childtimes Week and Eloise Greenfield Day at Sankofa Video & Books in Washington, D.C. last

We were delighted to learn from Shirikiana Gerima, who with her husband owns Sankofa Video and Books & Cafe in Washington, D.C., that "Childtimes Week" and "Eloise Greenfield Day" the week of April 16-22 proved to be a huge success. Approximately 150 people were in attendance, about 50 of whom were children.

“We were happy to embrace Ms. Greenfield for the pioneering work she has done in the world of African American literature for children,” said Shirikiana Gerima. “When young people see her work and realize she spent almost all of her life right here in D.C., they can imagine themselves walking in her shoes one day.”

Eloise Greenfield was as happy with Sankofa Video and Books & Cafe as the store owner was with her. "Everything was absolutely wonderful," Eloise said. "Monica [her daughter] and I walked in behind a procession of African drummers and children performing an African dance. There was a sizable audience, including family members and childhood friends that I hadn't seen for a long time. Jan [Jan Spivey Gilchrist, the illustrator of a majority (29) of her books] couldn't attend, but her beautiful tribute was read. The mayor sent a representative who presented a proclamation [that is, the Declaration of April 22, 2018 as Eloise Greenfield Day]. I autographed many books. It was a wonderful day."

“The event was wonderful," agreed Shirikiana Gerima, adding "wonderful from the time Ms. Greenfield was escorted to the stage by the drummers and dancers of Farafina Kan to the original arrangement and performance of "Honey I Love," by Munit Mesfin, to the presentation of three of Ms. Greenfield's poems by three elementary school children! And of course, the clips from the oral histories collected during the week were a treat. The mother-daughter conversation between Ms. Greenfield and her daughter Monica was illuminating; and Ms. Greenfield's talk about her life was so interesting. The whole event was a rich and rewarding experience. Speaking quite subjectively as a member of the audience, I was deeply moved."

Now in their 20th year, Sankofa Video & Books Café offers the largest collection of African American children's literature in the Washington, D.C. area. New authors are welcome to present their books in their store, and established authors and illustrators are also featured. Watch for more news from them, especially if you live in the Washington metropolitan area.

And for more information on Eloise Greenfield, you are always welcome to visit Balkin Buddies.