When I Hear Spirituals: A Children’s Book Rooted in the Beauty and Deep History of Black Music

Join me in this episode of Reading To Connect as I sit down with Cheryl Willis Hudson, author of When I Hear Spirituals and co-founder of Just Us Books, to explore how music, storytelling, and Black history come together in children’s books.

We dive into the rich legacy of spirituals, how they carry the voices of our ancestors, and why these songs continue to resonate across generations. Cheryl shares her journey in children's publishing, the origins of Just Us Books, and the ongoing fight for Black representation in literature. We also discuss how parents can use books and music to create powerful moments of connection with their children.

What You’ll Learn:

- How spirituals serve as a bridge between history, culture, and storytelling in children’s books- The importance of Black-owned publishing and why Just Us Books was founded- Why representation in children’s literature goes beyond visibility—it’s about preserving history- How parents and educators can use books and music to spark deeper conversations with kids

Tune in to discover how music, history, and storytelling come together to empower young readers and ensure that our stories—and our voices—are passed down for generations to come.

Let me know what moments stood out to you! 📚💕

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