HBCU Alum Creates Children’s Book Highlighting HBCU Culture
It’s never too early to expose younger generations to college. Whether taking them on a college tour, donning a t-shirt of your alma mater, or just telling them fun stories about your experience, the earlier children learn about college, the more prepared they’ll be when it’s time to apply. To increase interest in HBCUs, one graduate has created a new children's book to highlight great HBCU bands across the nation.
India Johnson, a Florida A&M University graduate, illustrator, and author, released her latest book, “Zuki and the Oh So Amazing Band from Outer Space” in February. The book's premise entails the main character, Zuki, going on a fantasy-like journey to have her first-ever HBCU band experience. The book allows children to get a peek at what a college experience at an HBCU may entail in the future. In addition, it helps children to understand the cultural impact of HBCU bands and encourages them to participate in the school band or other musical extracurricular activities.
Here’s a synopsis of the book (via Amazon):
“Journey with Zuki on her discovery and adventure experiencing an HBCU band for the very first time. This experience takes the readers on a fantasy-filled journey of what it feels like, sounds like, and looks like to be immersed into the culture of a Historically Black College/University band. The reader learns a glimpse about HBCUs and what they represent.”
Johnson became inspired to write children's books about HBCU culture because she didn’t have access to these books as a child. She understands the importance of creating these books for future generations to expose them to college and music. Johnson made the following statement to WTXL Tallahassee:
“Just to get people exposed to it (HBCUs). Children to (get) exposed to it (HBCUs) so they know that there is this community existing out there for them and they can look at it and celebrate it and learn a little bit about it early on.”
You can purchase “Zuki and the Oh So Amazing Band from Outer Space” from Amazon here.