I met Nadia Salomon at a writers’ retreat and once I heard about her new picture book, A VOICE OF HOPE: THE MYRLIE EVERS-WILLIAMS STORY I couldn’t wait to feature it. The book debuted on September 24, 2024.
Myrlie Evers-Williams’ voice is gentle yet strong, soft yet powerful. It is a soaring song of hope. Myrlie’s was born into the segregated South and the beautiful brown color of her skin made her a target for hate. It meant she didn’t have the same opportunities as white children, and that meant her dream of playing music onstage one day would be harder to achieve. But this didn’t stop Myrlie. As she grew, she marched for equal rights alongside her husband and activist, Medgar Evers. She fought against Jim Crow laws and for voting rights. She became the chair of the NAACP, and finally she realized her dream of performing at Carnegie Hall. After that, as a voice for hope and change, Myrlie spoke at President Obama’s second inauguration, inspiring a nation.
According to your website bio, you spent a couple of years writing songs and performing around Boston’s music scene. Do you still perform?
Not anymore. Only if you consider it performing when cooking or hanging out with my imaginary friends. Otherwise, no.
Still sounds like fun! A VOICE OF HOPE: THE MYRLIE EVERS-WILLIAMS STORY is the first picture book about the remarkable social activist, Myrlie Evers-Williams. What, if anything, surprised you in the process of putting Ms. Evers-Williams’ story on the page?
The lack of humanity during that time period and how she felt seen, human, and valued while laying her husband to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. This is what solidified her tenacity to pick up the torch and continue fighting for the right to vote, freedom, and women’s issues as well.
She is a hero in many ways, and I’m so glad her story is finding its way into the hands of readers. You are also the Co-Assistant Regional Advisor (co-ARA) for SCBWI’S San Francisco North & East Bay Region. What have you enjoyed most during your time as co-ARA?
Yes, I have been the Co-Assistant Regional Advisor for my SCBWI region for six-plus years and counting. I’ve enjoyed putting programs and events together to help members elevate their craft and learn how to navigate the publishing world. I love empowering members with skills that will help them think outside of the box and build their brand.
Thank you for making such a difference with your advocacy, and your support! What are some of your current projects?
I just completed a work for hire project. I’m also working on two R&Rs, chipping away at two graphic novels and a middle grade. I’m on submission with a couple of stories and gearing up to launch my third book, A RAKHI FOR RAKESH.
Order A VOICE OF HOPE: THE MYRLIE EVERS-WILLIAMS STORY
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