From a press release:
In recognition of National Stand Against Racism month, Asheville author Cynthia Yancey, M.D., will be reading from her book Zak and Niki: A First Look at Rising above Racism on Saturday, April 25, 11-11:30 a.m. at Spellbound Children’s Bookshop, 50 North Merrimon Avenue, Shops at Reynolds Village, North Asheville.
Zak and Niki is a children’s picture book about a Southern family’s first encounter with a biracial relationship. The narrative includes the mother’s response, guided by her belief in the innate goodness of all children. Zak and Niki is about simply and freely rising above the social shackles of racism.The book is about teaching parents to honor the multicultural friendships experienced early by their children.
Drawing upon her background as a public health physician and former medical director of the Buncombe County Department of Health, and speaking from her own experience with child rearing, Yancey shares the story of a friendship between two school children, each of a different race. The tale is enhanced by the colorful illustrations of award-winning artist Twila Jefferson of Asheville.
The publisher, Grateful Steps, is also honoring the book in commemoration of Stand Against Racism by creating a display of the book and the national program in the center of the Grateful Steps Bookstore at 159 South Lexington Avenue, Asheville. The cost of the book has been drastically reduced for this special time.
Dr. Yancey is available for interviews, as well as book signings, programs and readings. It is her goal to increase awareness of the importance of teaching a love for diversity to young children. It is her hope to help in the struggle to dismantle the destructive nature of persistent, insidious racism.
For more information, contact the Bookshop at 708-7570.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.