New Book Launch by Acclaimed Broadway Director Hosted by Francie & Finch

Local bookstore, Francie & finch will host a virtual launch event for YOUR LEGACY, a proud, empowering introduction to African American history that celebrates and honors enslaved ancestors, written by Schele Williams and illustrated by Tonya Engel.

Beginning in Africa before 1619, Your Legacy presents an unprecedentedly accessible, empowering, and proud introduction to African American history for children.  While your ancestors' freedom was taken from them, their spirit was not; this book celebrates their accompishments, acknowledges their sacrifices, and defines how they are remembered - and how their stories should be taught.

Author Schele Williams is a Broadway director committed to cultivating new musicals and devised work.  She is directing the upcoming Broadway revivals of Aida and The Wiz, as well as the premiers of Mandela the Musical and Indigo.  She has directed at regional theaters and festivals across the country and has a long history of work on Broadway in Rent, Aida, and Motown:  The Musical.  Passionate about pairing social justice with the arts, Schele is on the steering committe of We Stand United and is a founding member of Black Theatre United, an organization committed to dismantling systemic racism on our streets and stages.  She has been a member of Broadway Inspirational Voices for over two decades and serves as Chairperson of the Board.

Illustrator Tonya Engel is a self-taught artist living in Houston, Texas.  Folk artists of the deep South have influenced her work, as well as contemporary masters such as Marc Chagall, Frida Kahlo, Romare Bearden, and Gustav Klimt.  Her bold style is figurative, textured, colorful, and ripe with symbolism.  Engel made a spectacular debut in children's publishing with her illustrations in Rise!: From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou, written by Bethany Hegedus and published by Lee & Low Books in 2019 , and the recently published My Hair is Magic! by M.L. Marroquin.

ADVANCED PRAISE FOR YOUR LEGACY:

"A lovingly written, beautifully illustrated and stunningly timely book." - Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award-winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming

"We are grateful to Schele and her dedication to making our beautiful history accessible to our children!  Your Legacy is an educational and celebratory piece we've enjoyed sharing with our family.  We are extremely excited for this story to be shared with other families as we continue to celebrate our rich history in this world." - Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union, New York Times bestselling authors.

Register for the Virtual Event Link at https://www.crowdcast.io/e/your-legacy
Order your signed copy at https://francieandfinch.indielite.org/book/9781666517194