Black Creators Series
An Educator - and Community‐Focused Platform
The Black Creators Series™ is a groundbreaking platform that includes video, podcast, and live events dedicated to spotlighting the voices, artistry, and lived experiences of Black authors and illustrators. Through dynamic conversations, classroom‐centered insights, and thoughtfully curated episodes, the series highlights the brilliance of Black creators and the transformative impact of their books on young people, educators, and school communities.
Led by Dr. Sonja Cherry‐Paul—executive producer, best‐selling author, curriculum developer, and founder of Red Clay Educators—the series offers publishers, literacy conferences, and book festivals, and other literary organizations a mission‐aligned opportunity to amplify Black creators, deepen educator engagement, and expand the reach of children’s and young adult titles across school and library communities nationwide.
BCS Panel at ALAAC 2026
The Black Creators Series™ (BCS) provides educators with high‐quality, identity‐affirming content that supports literacy development that reflects the diverse experiences of their students. Through recorded episodes, live panel discussions, and more, the BCS offers:
A trusted platform centered on Black storytelling
A space where creators can share their work in their own words
A resource educators can use immediately in classrooms
A powerful tool for publishers committed to equity, representation, and culturally responsive education
BCS - Season 3, Episode 1
Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul in conversation with author, Grammy Award-winning musician, and MacArthur Fellow Rhiannon Giddens
The Black Creators Series™
has produced more than 30 episodes and numerous live panels at major conferences such as ALA and NCTE featuring award‐winning and emerging creators including:Aya de León
Lesa Ransome
Carole Boston Weatherford
Shade Lapite
R. Gregory Christie
Antwan Eddy
Ekua Holmes
Rhiannon Giddens
Kekla Magoon
Calvin Alexander Ramsey
Dr. Mahogany L. Browne
Eric Velasquez
James Ransome
Briana Mukodiri Uchendu
Cheryl Willis Hudson
Wade Hudson
Jumata Emill
Briana Johnson
Sophia Thakur
Joseph Coelho
Christopher Myers
...and many more
BCS Panel at ALAAC 2026
Seated left to right: Carole Boston Weatherford, Kekla Magoon, Calvin Alexander Ramsey, Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, Christopher Myers, R. Greg Christie, Briana Johnson
Standing: Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul
Each episode and panel discussion offers:
A trusted platform centered on Black storytelling
Insight into how identity shapes storytelling
A spotlight on a featured book for children or young adults
Practical guidance for educators on using the book to support adolescent literacy development, critical thinking, and a love of reading
BCS Panel at ALAAC 2024
Seated left to right: Carole Boston Weatherford, Briana Mukodiri Uchendu, James Randome, Lesa Cline-Ransome
Standing: Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul