Sussman Education, Inc./Lightswitch Learning announces "BLACK AND BLUE" the New Children's graphic novel deepens conversations about social injustices and racism
"The Community and the Police must come together to ensure we don't repeat the past. The world experienced trauma and we must heal. The conversation begins with humanity"
NEW YORK, April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Sussman Education, Inc./Lightswitch Learning announces the launch today of its culturally-responsive grades 6-12 graphic novel, Black and Blue. Given the George Floyd trial verdict today, Black and Blue is a timely and riveting graphic novel written to help start, continue, and deepen conversations with children about difficult topics such as racism.
Black and Blue features two black brothers in New York City impacted differently by family stories about their grandfather, a former New York City policeman. When one brother decides to become a police officer, a disconnect forms between him and his brother. That tension reaches a breaking point when increasing conflicts between the police and the Black community boils over during the "Black Lives Matter" protests. View the Lightswitch Learning - Black and Blue novel trailer and learn why you should read Black and Blue.
Black and Blue shows young people how to better understand and communicate their differences. It inspires them not to give up hope. It helps them realize that they have the power and can learn the skills to bring about changes for themselves and others in their community and the world.
According to Cheryl Wills, popular children's author and TV News Anchor for Spectrum News NY 1, "Black and Blue may be unlike any graphic novel you've ever read. I can report to you that this book is going to touch a nerve and make you think deeply about sensitive issues like racism. On February 26, 2000 four New York City police officers were found not guilty after shooting an unarmed black man to death in the Bronx. No one was held accountable for the death of Amadou Diallo. Today's guilty verdict of Derek Chauvin in the appalling and brazen murder of George Floyd marks a turning point. Black folks have been haunted by the ghost of Emmett Till during the summer of 1955. All Americans have been asking is that the full measure of justice be served to all people. Justice has been served for George Floyd. Hopefully it won't be the last time."
Author and illustrator, Jared Sams, is a young African American writer and illustrator based in Los Angeles, California. Jared is a self-taught artist who channels his hip-hop and punk music influences to help children develop unique skills, passions, and creative expressions. Jared advocates for the voiceless through his art and strives to infuse his work with empathy.
"A year later and the death of George Floyd is still very shocking, but he was only one in a stream of black bodies struck down by over-judicious law enforcement. These heartbreaking events are tough to reconcile, especially for developing children and teens. Now, more than ever, we need tools to help our youth process these indelible tragedies and inspire them to tap into their own emotional problem-solving skills. Black and Blue does just that, using the graphic arts to empower through education; presenting a bold call to action in confronting an issue with no easy answers," said Jared Sams, Author, Black and Blue.
Black and Blue is a 64-page full color, graphic novel that includes Depth of Knowledge student questions aligned to standards and activities to support classroom learning related to social justice and diversity issues.
Twitter: @SussmanEdu
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For more information visit Sussman Education, Inc./Lightswitch Learning at http://www.sussmaneducation.com and http://www.lightswitchlearning.com
ABOUT SUSSMAN EDUCATION, INC./LIGHTSWITCH LEARNING
About Sussman Education, Inc/Lightswitch Learning: Sussman Education, Inc/Lightswitch Learning is a leading national digital and print provider of culturally-responsive grades K-12 student, teacher, and parent resources. Lightswitch Learning is a division of Sussman Education Inc., a leader in K-12 digital and print sales distribution that has served New York City schools for 50 years. The mission of Sussman Education, Inc./Lightswitch Learning is to help parents and students be the best they can be and to provide the culturally-responsive resources parents and teachers need to help their children succeed socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Donyshia Boston-Hill
Keeper of the Brand Marketing & Digital Agency
[email protected]
Ph: 917-697-1699
Adam Reingold
Sussman Education, Inc./Lightswitch Learning
[email protected]
Ph: 917-714-8225
Media Contact
Donyshia Boston-Hill, Keeper of the Brand, +1 9176971699, [email protected]
Adam Reingold, SUSSMAN EDUCATION, INC./LIGHTSWITCH LEARNING, 917-714-8225, [email protected]
SOURCE Sussman Education, Inc./Lightswitch Learning
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