Black History Month - ROD Children's

Even before little Ru was born, a fortune teller told his mum that he would one day be famous... It was only a matter of time before he figured out how. Playing dress-up was his favourite game, and thats where he felt most comfortable. Ru went on to study performing arts and then moved to New York to mix things up in a punk band. Later, drag was a way to express himself as an artist. He found success for himself, then wanted to help others find theirs....

"Major" loved to ride his bike. He raced and did trickes, winning award after award. He became one of the best bicycle racers in the United States in just a few years. What happened to this amazing athlete?

Rosetta could sing and play guitar like no one had ever before. From her church's stage to Carnegie Hall, she brought her incredible gift of music to the world. With it, she also helped invent rock and roll!

O.W. Gurley was a savvy businessman. In 1905 he purchased 40 acres of land in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It later became known as the Greenwood Community. He used his money and influence to make Greenwood one of the richest African American communities in America. It was nicknamed "Black Wall Street."

John Lewis is one of the most courageous leaders of the civil rights movement. In 1986, Lewis won a seat in US Congress, which he continues to occupy. Follow Lewis's journey to Washington, DC, where he fights for equality.

Frederick O'Neal was an outspoken leader for equity in the American entertainment industry. In 1940 he co-founded the American Negro Theatre. It was only the beginning of his contributions to theater. Each time he was elevated, he used his position to make things better for Black actors and other minority actors and actresses.

Arturo Schomburg's passion for collecting books, music, and art led to the creation of the New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

A powerful, lyrical OwnVoices picture book about the enslavement of Ona Judge and her self-emancipation from George Washington’s household.