Founder of Black Children’s Book Week Takes This Year’s Celebration to the Metaverse

Nationwide — The second celebration of Black Children’s Book Week starts on February 26th, and people around the world are gearing up to participate. Founded in 2022 by social entrepreneur and author Veronica N. Chapman, Black Children’s Book Week (BCBW) is a global celebration of Black children and the power of Black representation in children’s books. Chapman’s goal is to “raise the vibration in the world” for Black children. And now her reach includes an online world, as Chapman has created a Black Children’s Book Museum in the Metaverse to accompany the celebration.

The Black Children’s Book Museum is a shoppable virtual museum that Chapman first launched in 2022 to feature the sponsors of Black Children’s Book Week. Newly designed in the Metaverse, the exhibits are even more dynamic, using avatars to give visitors the feeling of walking through the museum. While inside, visitors can learn about and support the sponsors of this necessary celebration. Many of the sponsors are Black authors who are intentional about publishing books with Black characters.

“Publishing children’s books with Black protagonists is a form of activism because it ensures that Black children see themselves represented so they can develop both a love for reading and for themselves,” says Chapman. “Representation matters because it is a protective force, as research shows that increased self-esteem is one of its positive impacts.”

Asked why people should celebrate Black Children’s Book Week, Chapman responded, “Black Children’s Book Week is scheduled joy. It’s a proactive and joyful solution in a time when we often find ourselves reacting to traumatic events, which can make us feel powerless. BCBW encourages us all to stand in our power and work collectively to ensure that Black children feel seen, affirmed, and loved.”

Parents, educators, and all advocates for Black children are invited to join the celebration. To learn more about Black Children’s Book Week and register for events, visit https://blackbabybooks.com/bcbw and follow Black Children’s Book Week on Instagram (@BlackChildrensBookWeek). This year’s Virtual Black Children’s Book Museum Grand Opening is on February 25, 2023. Visit BlackChildrensMuseum.org to register.

For all media inquiries for Veronica N. Chapman, please contact Jonathan Scott, info@boxxout.com

About
Black Children’s Book Week is a global celebration of Black children and the people who ensure Black children are represented in books and other children’s media. Founded by entrepreneur and children’s book author Veronica N. Chapman—and administered by Black Baby Books, LLC, a platform she launched to make it easier to discover children’s books with Black characters—Black Children’s Book Week starts every year on the last Sunday in February. And the Black Children’s Book Museum Opening is always scheduled for the Saturday before the start of the Week.