31-01-2025
Award-winning author visits central Illinois
EL PASO, Ill. (WMBD) — Author Derrick Barnes visited the Project XV Museum in El Paso Thursday night, speaking about his life and reading one of his most well-known books.
Barnes typically writes children's books that celebrate black culture and depict black children doing everyday activities.
He read his 2017 picture book 'Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut,' which won numerous awards, including a Newbery Honor and a Coretta Scott King award. The story is about a black boy and his experience getting a haircut in a barbershop, expressing themes like self-confidence.
While his books often center around black characters, he believes the themes they represent are universal.
'We all want to be loved. We all want to be appreciated, laugh, have fun, and just live meaningful lives,' he said.
Barnes grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, but currently lives in Charlotte with his wife and four sons.
He appreciated getting the chance to speak at the museum.
'I never could have dreamed as a child that somebody would invite me to share my work, so I've had a great time in El Paso,' he said.
Linda Foster, president of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP, was in attendance and described Barnes' presentation as 'exhilarating.'
'It's important for our people to see themselves in literature. He depicts how black boys can be proud of themselves,' she said.
The Project XV Museum is a voting rights museum honoring David Strother, the first black man to vote in the state of Illinois. Barnes felt 'honored' to be invited to speak at the museum given its historical significance.
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