Markette Sheppard never planned to become a children’s author. She started as a journalist, but over time her work expanded into books, learning materials, and stories for young readers, especially stories that help children see themselves reflected in the world around them.
During the pandemic, Sheppard noticed that the educational materials sent home to her son did not reflect children of color. She responded by creating her own flashcards, worksheets, … Read the rest
For nearly six decades, Tony award winner, Broadway legend, actress and music icon Melba Moore has done just about everything in entertainment. She continues to embrace new beginnings. Her contemporary album due this fall will be released through her family record label, The Gallery Entertainment, with her daughter and manager Charli Huggins at the helm. With the uplifting single, “Love Wins Every Time,” topping the UK Soul chart a month … Read the rest
Despite any challenges she has and continues to face, Shameika Rhymes was destined for journalism. Late May, the award-winning journalist, producer, and host chatted with SBC about her rise in the industry. Whether it’s racism, sexism, health scares or blunt judgement, Rhymes remains undeterred.
“I wanted to be in front of the camera,” Rhymes recalled. “The news directors at the time, nobody would give me a shot. One would tell … Read the rest
Stuti Dave, who goes by the moniker Stuti the Activist, understands that being a leader at 11-years-old can sometimes mean being underestimated. However, much like the struggle to secure a publisher for a book, she remains undeterred and finds a way forward. The young author, born in London and raised in Mumbai, India, self-publishes her books such as Emmie’s Adventures, has edited a friend’s published literature, and … Read the rest
With Greg Miller, founder of Dance Parade New York, joining SBC as a guest, it felt fitting to ask him about those who want to work in the arts but deem it an unreliable career path–even when they know it’s their calling. On Saturday, May 16, Dance Parade New York–widely regarded as the state’s largest dance festival–will celebrate its 20th anniversary with hundreds of dance organizations and more … Read the rest
It’s a Saturday afternoon in April when SBC sits down virtually with the energetic and engaging guest Jaylight–a media personality, three-time novelist, and the host of In Full Effect With Jaylight, a podcast nearing120 episodes. Over the course of the hour-long conversation, Jaylight proves himself to be a true storyteller who values self-expression. If you know Jaylight as family, he is also passionate about the life-changing piece of … Read the rest
For those who like to play those adult games with friends, you may want to think twice after watching A24’s, The Drama, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. While there are many things to unpack from this film, as stories are often layered, I want to focus on the tension of oversharing and under-sharing. Games like Sip or Spill, Never Have I Ever, and Cards Against Humanity are … Read the rest
Eryka Parker, the award-winning book coach (Legacy Book Coaching), journalist, and moderator of the Black Don’t Crack…Book Spines book club from AALBC.com recently spoke with SBC, sharing her thoughts on book clubs, as well as her reading tastes, habits, and insights as a seasoned literary professional. The engaging interview is available to watch at the link below.
An enduring legacy spanning nearly three decades can see change, but for AALBC.com’s book club, the mission remains: to provide an online space for readers to explore and celebrate both emerging and established Black writers. This year, the award-winning website relaunched its book club, with the third iteration, Black Don’t Crack…Book Spines, … Read the rest
When reading How to Build a Fashion Icon: Notes on Confidence from the World’s Only Image Architect (Recorded Books) by Law Roach, I strongly sensed his sincerity in desiring to help support people in their journey to developing confidence in their fashion and overall. He also has an incredible roster of clients, past and present, in which he divulges on some of these highly-ranked looks. This is one of … Read the rest
