The Elegant Vision of L.A. Architect Paul R. Williams
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Alfred A. Knopf
(pub.9.27.2022) 48 pages
Author: Andrea J. Loney
Illustrator:Keith Mallett
Character: Paul R. Williams
Overview:
" As an orphaned Black boy growing up in America in the early 1900s, Paul R. Williams became obsessed by the concept of 'home.' He not only dreamed of building his own home, he turned his dreams into drawings. Defying the odds and breaking down the wall of racism, Williams was able to curve around the obstacles in his way to become a world-renowned architect. He designed homes for the biggest celebrities of the day, such as Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball, and created a number of buildings in Los Angeles that are now considered landmarks."
Tantalizing taste:
"The Beverly Hills Hotel even hires Paul to redesign the Polo Lounge and the Fountain Coffee Room. Once the paint dries, Paul could marvel at his signature achievement - the building sign is even printed in his own distinctive handwriting. But could Paul stop by for a milkshake with Della or their daughters?
No.
Once again, Paul can enter the building as the architect, but not as a Black person.
No matter how high Paul rises, the stone wall of racism grinds against his face."
And something more: Andrea J. Loney, in the Author's Note explains: "While researching this book, I checked the history of our own home, built in 1924 in the L.A. County city of Inglewood. The original deed says only 'Caucasians,' or white people, can live here. So back then, I wouldn't have been allowed to sit at this desk, where I'm writing these words right now, simply because I'm a Black person. What a chilling thought!
... Of course, Paul R. William was keenly aware of these injustices. But he loved his work. He loved seeing his dreams come true. And when racism blocked his path, he found ingenious ways to curve and flow around it as he focused on this goal of making a better Los Angeles for everyone."
The Exceptional Life and Fashion
of Ann Lowe
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Chronicle Books
(pub.10.18.2022) 56 pages
Author: Kate Messner & Margaret E. Powell
Illustrator: Erin K. Robinson
Character: Ann Lowe
Overview:
" ONLY THE BEST tells the powerful story of the ground-breaking Ann Lowe, who grew up in a small Alabama dress shop and became the first nationally-known African American fashion designer. Sought after by millionaires and movie stars, her designs walked the red carpet and graced the wedding of Senator John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier.
At a time when the world around her thought African Americans deserved no more than second-class treatment, Ann expected no less than very best for herself."
Tantalizing taste:
" Ann folds up her feelings and tucks away her tears. She works day and night, the way her mother taught her. Only the best will do.
Measure, snip, pin up the hems.
Thread the needle.
Pull the stitch tight.
Embroider the last lovely bloom."
And something more: The Author's Note explains "Today, some of [Ann Lowe's] high-society gowns are in the collections of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. It's a wonderful place to visit if you'd like to see Ann's beautiful gowns and her signature fabric flowers in person."
Updated: Feb 5, 2023
Victor Hugo Green and His Glorious Book
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Quill Tree Books
(HarperCollins Publishers)
(pub.10.4.2022) 40 pages
Author: Tonya Bolden
Illustrator: Eric Velasquez
Character: Victor Hugo Green
Overview:
" As a mail carrier, Victor Hugo Green traveled across New Jersey every day. But with Jim Crow laws enforcing segregation since the late 1800s, traveling as a Black person in the US could be stressful, even dangerous.
So in the 1930s, Victor created a guide—The Negro Motorist Green-Book—compiling information on where to go and what places to avoid so that Black travelers could have a safe and pleasant time. While the Green Book started out small, over the years it became an expansive, invaluable resource for Black people throughout the country—all in the hopes that one day such a guide would no longer be needed."
Tantalizing taste:
" As much as Victor Hugo Green loved his book, he yearned for the day
when it would no longer be needed,
when ugly, hateful signs came down,
when all across America,
hotels and motels,
inns
cottages,
campsites,
cafes,
diners,
and fancy-fine restaurants
welcomed everyone.
.The day sundown towns ceased to be."
And something more: Illustrator Eric Velasquez's dedication: "For all those brave African American souls who have traveled throughout America, with the simple hope of arriving safely at their destination free of trauma or terror."
