Ep 7. Jill Scott Reads Pretty Brown Face and Brown Boy Joy

Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices season 1 episode 7 titled "Jill Scott Reads Pretty Brown Face and Brown Boy Joy" is an exuberant celebration of Black culture, identity, and joy. Hosted by renowned Grammy-winning singer and actress Jill Scott, the episode is a delightful mix of kid-friendly storytelling and authentic conversations with celebrated Black authors and illustrators.

The episode starts off with Jill Scott's heartfelt reading of Andrea Davis Pinkney's "Pretty Brown Face," a picture book about a little girl discovering and celebrating the beauty of her melanin. Scott infuses the text with warmth, wonder, and relatability, making it an easy and enjoyable read for kids of all ages. She then brings on the author Pinkney to talk about the inspiration behind the book and the importance of representation in children's literature. Pinkney's enthusiasm and insight are infectious, and her emphasis on positive self-image and self-love is empowering and inspiring.

The second book featured in the episode is "Brown Boy Joy," a joyful and affirming collection of poems by poet and teacher Thomishia Booker. Jill Scott reads some of Booker's poems with gusto and admiration, reflecting on the various ways in which Black boys and men express themselves, grow, learn, and shine in the world. Booker joins Scott to discuss the meaning and impact of her work, the stereotypes and challenges that Black boys face, and the need for more joyful and authentic Black representation in media. The conversation is warm, informative, and uplifting, and shows how literature can be a powerful tool for empowerment and connection.

In between the book features, the episode showcases some inspiring and creative Black voices and faces. In a segment called "Bookmarks Bookmarks," a group of young Black readers share their favorite books and what they love about them. Their choices range from classics like "The Giving Tree" to contemporary picks like "I Am Enough," and their insights and passion for reading are contagious. In another segment called "Artists I Admire," illustrator and designer Vashti Harrison pays tribute to her artistic inspirations, including her mother and other pioneering Black women in the arts. Her thoughtful and elaborate artwork brings to life the spirit and legacy of these remarkable women, and reinforces the importance of Black creativity and excellence.

The episode ends on a high note, with a lively and rousing reading of "Black Hair," a poem by poet and teacher Enzo Silon Surin. Jill Scott's expressive and rhythmic reading captures the beauty and diversity of Black hair, and how it reflects the richness and complexity of Black life and culture. The episode thus closes on a fitting note, celebrating Black excellence and identity in all its varied forms.

Overall, "Jill Scott Reads Pretty Brown Face and Brown Boy Joy" is a fantastic episode of Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices, showcasing the power, diversity, and joy of Black literature and culture. Jill Scott's charisma and warmth are infectious, and her conversations with the featured authors and illustrators are insightful, informative, and inspiring. The book features are engaging and relevant, and the segments showcasing young readers and artists add to the episode's vibrancy and relatability. The episode is a perfect encapsulation of the show's mission of promoting Black representation and empowerment in children's literature, and is sure to leave a lasting impact on viewers of all ages.