'Little Legends' Celebrates Big Lives Of Black History
Vashti Harrison's new picture book showcases black leaders throughout American history — but not just the big names. She also focuses on artists, athletes and scientists who may be less well-known.
The book we're talking about right now almost didn't exist. celebrates exceptional men in black history; it's by the author-illustrator Vashti Harrison. She says she thought long and hard about taking on this subject matter, because she relates more to women's stories. "My first book ... came from a really personal place," Harrison says. "I was thinking about the stories that I needed to see when I was a little kid. From the moment it got announced people were asking me, 'Are you going to write one about black men as well?'" Eventually she gave. On every other page, Harrison's detailed illustrations bring each profile to life. And there's one thing they all have in common: She's drawn every one with their eyes closed.
