Words by Smiley Team
It’s National Read a Book Day in the US, when people across the country are encouraged to indulge in this mentally rejuvenating hobby. One book launching at the end of September, will couple the benefits of reading with support for disadvantaged children.
The feminist campaign, Rebel Girls, announced the release of their latest book, ‘Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic’, to arrive on bookshop shelves on 28 September.
From front to back, the book is entirely produced by black women, edited by award-winning journalist Lilly Workneh alongside #BlackGirlMagic creator CaShawn Thompson, and illustrated by 60 black women and non-binary artists.
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“The campaign, paired with 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic, is designed to acknowledge, applaud and amplify the incredible stories of Black women and girls from the past and present; and to celebrate Black Girl Magic around the world,” said Lily.
Featuring some inspirational women from over 30 countries, it contains stories from heroes ranging from athlete Naomi Osaka and poet Amanda Gorman to singer Rosetta Tharpe and journalist Ida B. Wells.
In partnership with black female entrepreneurs, shoppers can purchase the book along with T-shirts, badges and brownie mixtures from the Rebel Girls shop. A percentage of the proceeds from the brownie mixture will go to families in the US who are struggling financially.
The publishers are working with book subject and changemaker Carolina Contreras to distribute copies of the book via her Miss Rizos Foundation to girls in the New York City metropolitan area and in the Dominican Republic.
Additionally, the campaign promotes women entrepreneurs. Three Black women-owned businesses will provide the merchandise for the launch, including fashion brand Miles and Milan, which designed the T-shirts.
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Company founder Shennel Fuller said: “This collaboration means so much to me. Growing up a little girl it was rare to see representation of me in story books let alone receive an expansive history on the amazing women that looked like me.
“I am proud to partner with a company that celebrates black founders, but also shares the rich history and amazing stories of the magical black girls before us.”
Lily added: “Because if she can see it, she can be it."
