LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Shades of Strength, a new comic and coloring book celebrating Black men who shaped Kentucky and the nation, launches Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Roots 101 African American Museum.
The book celebrates educators, activists, artists, legislators, athletes, and truth-tellers — including the enslaved explorer York, community leader Rev. Louis Coleman, Sen. Gerald Neal, educator Ricky L. Jones, and sculptor Ed Hamilton.
Through dynamic illustrations and interactive coloring pages, the book invites readers of all ages to learn, reflect, and connect with the stories of these influential figures.
"To the fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, educators, legislators, athletes, artists, healers, and leaders whose strength often went unrecognized but never went unfelt. This book is for you," said co-founders Hannah Drake and Josh Miller.
"The great heroes of history were people just like us. They were people who took action. Through their actions, they threw pebbles of change into the river of time," illustrator Jide’ Fresh said
The launch event is set for 6:30 p.m. and will feature remarks from the founders, illustrator, and featured men, with 1,500 free signed copies available. A PDF version will also be available online for teachers and community members after the event.
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