EVENT: New York—A Is For Anansi Conference - Literature for Children of African Descent

A Is For Anansi: Literature for Children of African Descent
October 8-9th 2010
 
presented by 

Institute of African American Affairs – New York University
Location for all programs: Kimmel Center-NYU,
60 Washington Square South Rm. 914-Silver
Please RSVP at (212) 998-IAAA (4222)

A Is For Anansi will cover the history, criticism and theory of contemporary books for and about children of African descent, as told by its most influential critics, scholars, teachers and producers. The need for more in-depth analysis and for more information, critical evaluation, and publications on this topic still remain. The conference will look at these and consider other questions and issues as well.
Schedule:
Friday, October 8th, 2010 – Opening Reception
6-6:30 pm
● Opening KEYNOTE
6:30-8:00 pm
● History/Significance/Meaning of Writing/Publishing/Selling Literature for and about Children of African Descent (importance of bookstores; going beyond the obvious that it’s good for other people to learn about other people)

Saturday, October 9th, 2010
Breakfast – 9-9:30 am
9:30 – 11:00 am
● Issues of Identity & Representation (historical overview, phenotype-illustrating the books, role of language, look beyond books: cinema, advertisement, TV)
11:00 – 12:30 pm
● Let the Children Speak (roundtable of kids discussing children’s books, “books that have had a profound effect on me and why” video games vs. reading, why don’t I read, use of social media like Twitter, Facebook, blogs, video blogs and more, audience can include children, parents, teachers)
Lunch – 12:30 – 1:30 pm
1:30 – 3:00 pm
● Critiquing & Evaluating the Books/Content (stereotypes, censorship, violence, raw images in picture books, depictions of the black family, political correctness in writing for children in terms of its ability to stimulate imagination as well as enhance cognitive and cultural development)
3:00 – 4:30 pm
● Literacy & Education for/of the Black Male
4:30 – 5:00 pm
CLOSURE/ROUND UP/SURVEY
5:00 PM
RECEPTION w/PERFORMANCE
● Tribute to Virginia Hamilton, Tom Feelings, and Leo and Diane Dillon
Space is limited. Free and open to the public.
Please RSVP for A Is For Anansi at (212) 998-IAAA (4222)