Honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of the 22nd Annual African American Children's Book Fair.

WHEREAS, In 1926, noted historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the study of negro life and history announced the second week of February to be “Negro History Week”; and

WHEREAS, The 2nd week in February was chosen because of the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass; and

WHEREAS, The first black history month celebration occurred at Kent State in February 1970 and in 1976, the federal government acknowledged the expansion of Black History Week to Black History Month; and

WHEREAS, During early American history, African Americans were not allowed to learn to read and have books; and

WHEREAS, The importance of book fairs cannot be understated and for twenty two years the African American Children's Book Fair has enhanced multi-culturalism in our City utilizing the joy of reading as a tool; and

WHEREAS, Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati created the book fair because she believes books open up a world of opportunities for children and after twenty two years, the African American Children's Book Fair is the oldest and largest single day event for Children's books in the country; and

WHEREAS, One of the most important reasons to encourage reading in our children is that studies show that the more our youth read the more likely they are to make positive lifestyle decisions as they grow older; and

WHEREAS, Strictly judging by attendance the fair is a tremendous success as well over 4,500 people attended the Fair in past years; and

WHEREAS, Rich or poor, no one leaves empty handed as the books themselves are priced at a level where they are more affordable and posters, bookmarkers, and raffle books are distributed free of charge to attendees; and

WHEREAS, One of the esteemed attendees will be Philadelphia born and educated Dr. Marion Lane. Dr Lane is a retired public school educator. She is the author of several books including "Patriots of African Descent in the Revolutionary War: Part 1" which is a fictional account, as told by a family historian to his great-grandson about their family's service as African-Americans during the Revolutionary War; and

WHEREAS, Another esteemed attendee will be Kathleen M. Wainwright. Kathleen Wainwright is a dedicated teacher in the School District of Philadelphia and graduate of Temple University and West Chester University. She is the author of “Summer in the City”; and

WHEREAS, An additional attendee of the book fair will be Nancy Devard, who is a Philadelphia born and educated award winning - American Library Association Coretta Scott King winning author who has authored several books including “The Secret Olivia Told Me”; and

WHEREAS, The fair is also lucky to host terrific sponsors and partners including NBC 10 Philadelphia Reading Circle, The Peco Literary Salon, McDonald's, Health Partners Plan, Health Partners Foundation, Comcast Educators and Parents Book-giveaway program, all who have been instrumental in keeping the literary flames ablaze for our children in the City of Philadelphia through tireless contributions to the African American Children's Book Project; and

WHEREAS, The 22nd Annual African American Book Fair will be held free of charge on Saturday February 1st from one to three pm at the gymnasium of the Community College of Philadelphia located at 17th & Spring Garden Streets; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of the 22nd Annual African American Children's Book Fair.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the African American Children's Book Project for their hard work and efforts in the promotion of children's literacy, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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