Normally the only insight you get on an author comes from the words on the page. You rarely get a chance to get the story behind the stories. But that is exactly the opportunity attendees at the Indiana State Museum got on Friday when they were treated to a visit by renowned author Derrick Barnes.
Barnes, who began his career as the first full-time Black male copywriter for Hallmark, has authored over a dozen books. Several of which have gone on to receive critical acclaim. None more so than his magnum opus, “Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut.” A massive success story that seemed unlikely at first as Barnes had struggled to get new works published for years up to that point. The book went on to receive a multitude of accolades including the Coretta Scott King Award and a 2018 Newbery Honor.
It was the story of that book in particular that Barnes used to drive home his point about perseverance and believing in yourself to the crowd.
“Don’t be afraid to be different,” Barnes told a group of students who traveled all the way from Columbus, Indiana.
The award-winning author has since published more books and racked up more awards, but he still feels it is important to talk to young people about their future.
“There’s so many creative and talented kids of all races. Especially Black children, I think they need to see somebody doing what they actually dream about,” said Barnes before the event. “We have to show children what they can become. No matter if it’s a barbershop owner or a New York Times bestselling author. It is possible for you. It’s so important that we make ourselves available.”
The event was sponsored by Cummins in partnership with Black Worldschoolers Mobile Bookstore and The 15 White Coats.
“It was important to just bring Derrick Barnes here for representation for a chance for children to see an unapologetically Black person, sharing his story, sharing our story, shaping our world,” said Andre Pipkin of Black Worldschoolers Mobile Bookstore.
The Black Worldschoolers Mobile Bookstore, exactly as the name implies, is a traveling bookstore on wheels based out of Indianapolis that specializes in sharing Black-centered stories. The bookstore teamed up with Derrick Barnes again for a local event at KIPP Legacy High School this past weekend.
Contact Indy Kids Winning Reporter Andrew Pillow at andrewp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Twitter @AndrewPillow.
Andrew’s work is supported through a partnership between Indy Kids Winning and the Indianapolis Recorder. Visit indykidswinning.com to learn more.
