When I think of whose work I want my children to swim in, Pierce Freelon always comes to mind. He’s a GRAMMY® nominated artist, picture book author, and podcaster, but after interviewing him, I realize that his value to our children is more expansive than this description. Pierce is a devoted husband and father, a proud son, and a curator of family-friendly cultural goodness. He’s well-known in many circles, and I hope this introduction is the start of him becoming a household name among my community of homeschoolers and intentional parents.

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I first became familiar with Pierce Freelon after learning about his late father’s life and work in Kelly Lyons’s children’s book Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon. Among other prestigious accomplishments, Philip was the lead designer of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Exploring his story made my family curious about the rest of the Freelon clan. We followed a rabbit trail that led to Pierce’s work, including the two children’s books he’s authored.

In Daddy-Daughter Day, a doting father spends the day engaging with his adoring little girl. The apparent love between the duo mirrors that of Pierce and his daughter, Stella, and it feels incredibly familiar. Between my special relationship with my dad (who passed just after the birth of my first child) and the sweet connection my husband has with our girls, I think this book is as authentic as they come.

Pierce’s second book, Daddy & Me, Side by Side, came to him a few months after his dad passed away when he spent the morning hiking with his son. In this story, readers get a front-row seat to the intimate exchanges between a dad grieving the loss of his father and his son, who misses his Pop-Pop. These quiet moments occur amid a camping trip where father and son enjoy sleeping in a tent, digging for worms, fishing, hiking, and generally enjoying each other’s company. It shouldn’t be, but it’s RARE to see a Black father and son enjoying the outdoors together in a book, so my family immediately regarded Daddy & Me as a treasure.

“I think perceptions have changed in recent years, but we still don’t see enough fathers portrayed in the media as loving, empathetic, primary caregivers, particularly not enough Black men. This lack of representation is harmful and shifting the narrative is part of my Afrofuturist practice. In my books Black men nurture, Black men cry, Black men frolic.” 

Pierce Freelon (Happiest Baby)

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Pierce, and one of my favorite moments was learning about his mom, Nnenna Freelon (pronounced like “Nina,” which is my daughter’s name). I was immediately interested in her work, and after the interview, I researched more about her. WOW! I’m an instant hardcore fan in every way. It would take an entire post to even scratch the surface, but trust me when I say you’ll want to get to know her. She’s a singer, composer, podcaster, and all-around fantastic woman.

“He’s in my heart all the time,” Nnenna said, speaking lovingly of her long marriage with Phil. “If people look at me and see someone who they think is strong — I don’t know if it’s strength they see. I don’t feel like Superwoman strong. I feel like I’ve been loved. I’ve been loved so hard for 40 years that it’s on my face. It’s in my bones.”

Nnenna Freelon (Today.com)

Pierce and Nnenna made history together when they were nominated individually in different categories at the 2022 GRAMMY Awards. Nnenna’s Time Traveler was nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album, while Pierce’s Black to the Future was nominated for Best Children’s Music Album. Believe it or not, they then collaborated on a children’s album that received a 2024 GRAMMY nomination: AnceStars. The album is simply incredible; it’s everything I wanted for my children, plus some extra that I didn’t even know my family needed.

“Pierce Freelon’s joyful music blends hip-hop, electronic jazz, and soul. His modern and dynamic sound is inspired by his journey as a millennial dad and is carefully crafted for today’s modern families. Through honest and playful lyrics, rich melodies, and fresh beats, he shares his story and welcomes kids and adults to his world.”

Watch or listen to learn more about how your family can enjoy the beautiful gifts born of his passions and talents.

I hope you’ve enjoyed “meeting” or learning more about Pierce Freelon and that you’ll continue to follow him for updates.

You can find us on Instagram @PierceFreelon and @HeritageMomBlog. We’d love to hear from you!