When I create and share, my focus is unwavering: it’s all about our kids. Period.
Every word I write, every resource I craft, and every conversation I have comes from a place of faith, rooted in the unshakable belief that we are all made in God’s image. This truth is the foundation of everything I do. It’s the only thing I’ve ever talked about, and it informs every piece of work I put into the world.
But in today’s world, even simple truths get twisted. Just saying the word “Black” can spark outrage and accusations, dismissed by some as “woke.” Let me be clear: I reject that entire narrative. Being Black is not a sin. Talking about Black history, culture, and stories is not a sin.
The discomfort around these conversations of wokeness in homeschooling has never been about the work itself. The only people who seem upset by what I do are those who feel threatened by the idea of children reading books about Black people alongside all the other wonderful stories they encounter.
And that distraction—those constant, baseless questions like “Is Amber woke?”—isn’t new. It’s just noise designed to derail meaningful work.
Toni Morrison put it perfectly when she said:
“The function, the very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being. Somebody says you have no language and you spend twenty years proving that you do. Somebody says your head isn’t shaped properly so you have scientists working on the fact that it is. Somebody says you have no art, so you dredge that up. Somebody says you have no kingdoms, so you dredge that up. None of this is necessary. There will always be one more thing.”
Her words are as true now as they’ve ever been. Racism tries to pull us away from what really matters. It demands explanations and justifications that shouldn’t be necessary. But I refuse to let it distract me.
I’m passionate about Black literature for young people because I’ve seen its life-giving impact. These stories are enriching, peace-bringing, and understanding-building. They’ve brought light into my home and countless others, helping kids of all backgrounds see the beauty and depth in Black stories.
People can mislabel my work, distort its intent, or drag it through the mud. But none of that changes the heart of what I do—or why I do it.
So let’s keep reading, learning, and moving expansively in many directions. Let’s stay focused on what truly matters: building a world where all kids can see themselves and others in the stories they encounter.
This work matters. And I’m here to stay.
Thank you for being by my side on the journey.
If you haven’t already ordered your copy of my new book Soul School, please do so today! It’s far more engaging and life-giving than the current obsession with “outing” wokeness in homeschooling.
ayeeeeee! I just had this song pop up in my head that my dad wrote when we were kids and had us screaming in the background of his recording “say it loud.. i’m black and proud!” haha – it’s unfortunate and frustrating that speaking up for black literature can fall into the category of “woke” – if people are wise enough to listen to what you have been saying, they will be blessed tremendously. As you know, my family is bi-racial and was always headed in the direction of there ARE books out there that represent so much more than our lovely classics, and you have been instrumental in helping us find many, so PREACH ON and CARRY ON SIS! There is so much noise, and all who are aware, AWAKE and in tune with the Father, find themselves right at the tips of resources he has provided through others like yourself, love you friend!
That song! What a memory, lol. I know there are so many families who need these resources, and every time I meet one, I’m reminded of how important the work is. Thanks for being here, and for getting it!
Thank you for your voice! I appreciate your heart and your efforts!
You’re so very welcome. I love the work I’m doing, and I’m so glad that I’m not doing it alone.
Thankful for your voice!
Thank you for being here!
Thank you so much for all the work you do! I have ordered and read Soul School and it was so wonderful. It was affirming to see my own half-formed thoughts and feelings put into beautifully written words. I especially appreciated how you defined “black joy.” I had already been building a diverse book collection, and this was great encouragement to seek out more books that feature black joy. They are hard to find! Thanks for all of your wonderful recommendations. And by the way, when I saw Black Cowboys Wild Horses on your list I was so excited! This is one of my favorite kid’s books of all times.
I greatly appreciate your encouraging thoughts here. Thank you for reading Soul School! It really is one of my favorite projects ever.
Well said. No, perfectly said.
Thank you. It means a lot to know that you understand so completely.
Keep it up, Friend! I’m here for it!!
So glad to have you in my corner!