We’re so excited to share that She Was the First!: The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm by Katheryn Russell-Brown and illustrated by Eric Velasquez is the 52nd Annual NAACP Image Award Winner in the Outstanding Literature Work – Children’s category!
Watch the recording of the celebration below. To catch Katheryn Russell-Brown and Eric Velasquez’s acceptance speeches, start watching at 22:20. You can also read their acceptance speeches below.
Katheryn Russell-Brown: Thanks NAACP Image Awards! What an incredible honor. Thank you for honoring Shirley Chisholm. Special shoutout to Eric Velasquez, the illustrator, and to Lee and Low Books for seeing the need and value in this story. And to my agent, Adriana Dominguez; to my family, especially my son and daughter; to my mom who I miss every day. This is particularly a special honor for me since my dad, Charlie Russell won an NAACP Image Award in 1975 for his movie, “Five on the Black Hand Side.” Thank you.
Eric Velasquez: First I would like to thank the NAACP Image Awards for this great honor. I would also like to thank Katheryn Russell-Brown for writing the magnificent story of the trailblazing life of Shirley Chisholm, who continues to teach us about the power of voting. Thank you to my editor, Louise May, and Art Director, Christy Hale, as well as the team at Lee & Low Books for putting this book together. Thank you to my tireless agent Rubin Pfeffer. And lastly, the love of my life and muse, Elizabeth. Thank you for the love, support, and courage. Thank you.
Congratulations again to Katheryn Russell-Brown, Eric Velasquez and all NAACP Image Award winners!
Check out the full list of NAACP Image Award winners here.
Want to watch the NAACP Image Award celebrations? You can RSVP here.
