Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Coretta Scott King — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his wife, Coretta Scott King, both cared deeply about the lives of children. They both fought for the integration of schools, and they both worked to create a society where children could grow up without being judged “by the color of their skin.” On this year’s Martin Luther King Day, I think it is important that we also honor Coretta Scott King and her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. Her untiring efforts to advocate for equal educational opportunities for all children is an inspiration for those of us who work in the field of education.
In 1969, a small group of children’s librarians from New Jersey, led by Glyndon Flynt Greer and Mabel McKissick, decided to honor Coretta Scott King by naming a new award after her. Called the Coretta Scott King Book Award, the award is given to African American authors of outstanding books for children and young adults. Initially the award recognized only children’s authors, but in 1974 an illustrator award category was added. In 1982, the American Library Association (ALA) designated the Coretta Scott King Book Awards as officially recognized ALA awards. For a complete list of the books that have won these awards, please click on the following link: http://www.ala.org/rt/emiert/coretta-scott-king-book-awards-all-recipients-1970-present
The librarians who founded the Coretta Scott King Books Awards have made a difference. Not only have they help draw attention to excellent children’s books by African American authors and illustrators, but they have also helped to make sure that we remember and honor Coretta Scott King along with her legendary husband.
Kudos — As you know, I like to use my Monday Missives to share news about recent accomplishments by members of the English Department. Here is the latest news:
Hiroaki (‘Henri’) Hatayama, who received an MA in English from our department, has just been elected as the new President of J. F. Oberlin University in Machida, a suburb of Tokyo.
Janaka Lewis recently had a chapter titled “Chesnutt’s Ghost” published in the book Approaches to Teaching the Works of Charles W. Chesnutt (MLA).
Alan Rauch recently has a review of The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge published in the Canadian Association of University Teachers Bulletin.
Quirky Quiz Question — Coretta Scott King founded the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change. In what city is the King Center located?
Last week’s answer: Victor
The name Frankenstein is the last name of the scientist who is the main character in Mary Shelley’s novel. Does anybody know the first name of this scientist?