Founders' Reflection On 37 Years

Today marks the last day of Just Us Books’ anniversary month. We are so thankful that we have been able to do this work for 37 years! Publishing books that help our young people learn about Black history, Black culture, and Black experiences is an honor.

As with all businesses, there have been challenges to overcome and successes to celebrate. But, like our ancestors before us, Just Us Books remains committed to a mission that is bigger than us…telling our stories.

It is more important than ever that we continue to share our stories because Black history and Black institutions are under attack locally and nationally. The campaign to dominate the narrative about who we are as a country is going full throttle. This false narrative seeks to remove as much information as possible about Black people and other marginalized groups from the American story.

Just Us Books remains committed to the truth. To publishing books that center the rich and fertile history and culture of Black people who have contributed so much to this country and the world.

We truly appreciate the generous support we have received over the years from booksellers, educators, librarians, parents, and most of all from our audience of children and young people. That support is even more important now because the challenges we face — from censorship and book banning to a struggling economy — are enormous. But so is our faith. And we will continue to do all we can to push forward and help make this a better, more inclusive, and just society for all.

We encourage everyone to do the same. Be intentional with your spending; prioritize Black publishers like Just Us Books, Black Classic Press, Third World Press, Africa World Press, the community of Black writers, artists, and other institutions dedicated to telling and sharing Black stories. Borrow our books from the library, share them with friends, post about them on social media. Every action of support makes an impact.

And as always, remember,

Good Books Make a Difference!

Wade Hudson & Cheryl Willis Hudson

Remembering Tony Rose

We remember fellow book publisher, Tony Rose, who passed away at the age of 74. 

Following a successful career in the music industry, Tony founded Amber Books with his wife Yvonne in 1996, specializing in self-help and music biographies. Amber went on to publish more than 1,000 titles, including African Americans and the Future of New Orleans: Rebirth, Renewal and Rebuilding. Under Tony’s leadership it also won numerous honors such as an NAACP Image Award for Literature and the Harlem Book Fair Wheatley Book Awards “Publisher of the Year.”

In addition to publishing, Tony wrote several books including A Guy Named Maurice Starr and America: The Black Point of View. For years, he led the African American Pavilion at Book Expo America, ensuring a much-needed platform for Black publishers in the leading industry conference. 

“Tony brought boundless energy and a deep commitment to the Black book publishing community,” says Wade Hudson, CEO and cofounder of Just Us Books. “At Just Us Books, we had the opportunity work with him on numerous initiatives focused on building the Black book ecosystem. He will be missed.”

We extend our love and condolences to Yvonne, Tony’s entire family and his loved ones. 

Read more about Tony and his work here.

Back to Our Roots

Wade and Cheryl Hudson present at an event hosted by
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at the Portsmouth Public Library (1988)

When we started Just Us Books in 1988, we used a grassroots approach to connect with readers and market our company. We knew we could not depend on the traditional book publishing ecosystem — the same one that told us there was no market for our books. We were a Black-owned start-up publishing books with Black characters and about the Black experience. A small indie without a footprint in the industry. Even getting an audience to showcase our books was a major hurdle.

So, we did what our ancestors had done before us. John Russwurm and Samuel B. Cornish, editors of Freedom’s Journal, the first Black newspaper published in this country, distributed the paper directly to Black communities. Langston Hughes took his published works to the people. Johnson Publishing Company, whose list of publications included Ebony, Black Digest, and Jet focused on the Black market.

We did too. We took our books to daycare centers, church events, cultural festivals, libraries, and conferences held by Black organizations. A major component of our marketing strategy also included nurturing relationships with the then-growing number of Black-owned bookstores. Soon after, we expanded to exhibit at professional conferences such as those organized by the American Library Association, National Education Association, and American Booksellers Association and were able to reach more libraries, educators, and book buyers.

There was a profound sense of unity and common purpose back then. And in some pockets of communities, there still is. But social media has displaced many previous marketing avenues. There are fewer indie retailers. The kidlit industry has achieved some mainstream success and perceived success. And while community events remained a cornerstone for us, along the way, our investment in other grassroots tactics declined.

Laura Freeman and Useni Perkins sign their book
Kwame Nkrumah's Midnight Speech for Independence
for students in DC. (2023)

But the numerous social and political challenges and uncertainties make it clear: we need to get back to our (grass)roots. In the Akan tradition, the Sankofa symbol reminds us to look to the past to build a stronger future. For us, that future is one based on strong community, meaningful impact, mutual support, and of course lots of great books!

Getting back to our roots can mean more in-person events; less social media and more posting on our platforms (our blog, newsletter and website); and doing more to stay connected with fellow creators and entrepreneurs.

How are you working to strengthen community in 2025 and beyond? We’d love to hear your thoughts below.

It's Up to Us

On Christmas we called our dear friend and family George Ford. As usual, he was full of energy and encouragement. We talked about everything from Nikki Giovanni’s tremendous legacy to the new Netflix special The Six Triple Eight. As the conversation turned to our work as book creators, George shared some wise words. 

“It’s not about overcoming someday. It’s now. It’s us. It’s up to us.”

The work ahead can sometimes seem daunting. A new administration, continued book banning, attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion, and a challenging economy are all adding more uncertainty. We feel the weight as publishers and small business owners. And we see it as parents, educators, librarians, kidlit creators and entrepreneurs navigate this time as well. 

But we know now like we knew when we founded Just Us Books 36 years ago: we have an important role to play in creating the brighter future our young people deserve. All of us do. 

As we welcome 2025, we do so in gratitude for the many blessings of last year, and the opportunity to continue to make a difference.

Like George said, It’s up to us.

———

Looking for even more inspiration? Or a great cause to support? Check out the great work Jacqueline Woodson is doing through Baldwin For The Arts.

Brave Enough to Be the Light

One thing we love about this time of year is the focus on community. If your social media feeds are anything like ours, it’s full of people asking about recommendations for Black owned businesses, local shops, and community organizations to support. As we navigate a challenging climate where more book are being banned, there’s increasing pushback on diversity, equity and inclusion, and people are preparing for what the new administration will bring in 2025, it’s encouraging to see so many people take action to ensure the work and institutions that we say are important can continue to operate and even thrive. 

We need that supportive community. So do our children.

During a recent Family Literacy Month event in Little Rock, author and Just Us Books co-founder Wade Hudson, asked students to come up front. He had a message for them.

"Each of you is blessed with a gift or gifts that you will use to make your unique contributions to the world,” he said. “Each of you is special. You must believe that. You must have faith in yourself. No matter what challenges may come, you can overcome them. You must overcome them. Our country and our world need you more than ever now.” 

While there may be lots of uncertainty, we know there’s so much power in community. And there may be no more crucial time than now to identify what we can do — individually and collectively— to support the people and causes that are most important to us and our future. 

As Amanda Gorman, the youngest Inaugural Poet in U.S. history reminds us:

“There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”

Pushing Forward

We’re navigating a challenging time, but so many things keep us pushing forward. Among them are these words from Frederick Douglass:

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress…This struggle may be a moral one; or it may be a physical one; or it may be both moral and physical; but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.”

The struggle for freedom and justice always continues. It does not rest on any one event, whether successful or not.

As kidlit creators, educators, librarians, parents, and supporters, let’s continue to use our gifts and talents to positively impact the lives of our young people. Our books make a difference. Our teaching makes a difference. Our example makes a difference. Our guidance, mentorship, the time we spend listening, supporting, pouring into — it’s all valuable and needed. Especially now. 

Let’s find meaning and purpose with others who know that we MUST continue. 

And when we need a reminder, may we find encouragement in each other and the young people who deserve our best.  

Banned Books Week

Book bans are on the rise. In classrooms and libraries across the nation, books such as We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices, which we published to provide children comfort and encouragement during difficult times, are being called divisive and discriminatory. Since the fall of 2021, PEN America has counted more than 10,000 book bans in public schools alone. Books written about Black, LGBTQ and other marginalized groups are particularly impacted by these restrictions and censorship.

But we’re fighting back. Organizations, educators, librarians, bookstores, authors, illustrators and readers are working together to counteract book banning efforts. Here are a few ways you can join this important work:

1. Stay informed. Follow organizations such as the Banned Books Week Coalition, Pen America, Authors Against Book Bans or Kids Right to Read Project and participate in Banned Books Week activities to learn about the issue in community: https://bannedbooksweek.org/events/ 

2. Check out a challenged book (or two or three) from the library or buy banned/challenged books from your local bookstore. Many bookstores have banned book displays. You can also check this database for banned book lists.   

3. Speak out. Reading a banned book? Post about it on social media. Talk about the difference a book has made in your life. ALA also has free resources including posters and infographics, to help you champion the cause.

And remember, this advocacy isn’t limited to one week. We need to join together in frequent and consistent action to fight censorship, help keep books available in schools and libraries, and promote the freedom to read! 

Just Us Books to Host Writing Our Future: A Celebration of Black Children’s Literature

In honor of our milestone 35th anniversary and Black History Month, Just Us Books is proud to present a program that will bring together a dozen acclaimed Black children’s book authors and illustrators. 

Writing Our Future: A Celebration of Black Children’s Literature will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024, 12 - 2:30 pm at the Montclair Public Library, 50 South Fullerton Ave. in Montclair. It will also be streamed online.

Sponsored in collaboration with the Montclair Public Library and local independent bookstore Watchung Booksellers, the event will feature panels, book readings, autograph signings and literary performances. 

Guest authors and illustrators include: Rita Williams-Garcia (One Crazy Summer), Valerie Wilson Wesley (Willimena Rules series), Denise Lewis Patrick (Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson), Sharon Dennis Wyeth (Something Beautiful), Eric Velasquez (Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library), Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich (Operation Sisterhood); Torrey Maldonado (What Lane?), George Ford (The Story of Ruby Bridges), author-illustrator-educator Toney Jackson who will deliver a spoken word performance, as well as authors and Just Us Books founders, Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson.

“Books play such an important role in preserving and sharing Black history and culture. We can’t think of a better way to commemorate Just Us Books’ 35 years in publishing than by bringing together a talented group of authors and illustrators for a Black History Month literary celebration,” said Wade Hudson, CEO of Just Us Books.

“We’re hoping to reach the entire community with this event,” explains Cheryl Willis Hudson, Editorial Director of Just Us Books. “It’s a great opportunity for children to meet published authors and illustrators; for aspiring creators to learn about building careers in publishing; and for parents, educators and readers of all ages to get some wonderful books.”

Panels include:

·       Our Literature’s Legacy, a conversation about the path to more diversity in children’s publishing and how we continue the progress

·       Putting it All Together: Creating Books for Young Readers about the author and illustrator creative process, developing your craft, and how to break into and succeed in the industry

·       The Power of the Pen highlighting the power of children’s literature to inspire change

The event is free and open to the public, including children of all ages. 

Registration is encouraged for in-person attendance: https://montclairlibrary.libnet.info/event/9975696 and is required for virtual attendance: https://montclairlibrary.libnet.info/event/10147473 

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Embracing the Past, Empowering Our Future: Reflections on Just Us Books’ 35 Years

by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson
founders, Just Us Books

Thirty-five years ago, we sat at our dinner table contemplating starting our own children’s book publishing company. We had already self-published two books, the AFRO-BETS ABC Book and the AFRO-BETS 123 Book and our success with them in the marketplace prompted a serious discussion. Should we strike out and expand our venture to publish works by other Black book creators?

Wade and Cheryl Hudson present the AFRO-BETS Kids at the
Portsmouth, VA Public Library to an audience that includes their son Stephan in 1987. 

There was clearly a need. There were few books for children and young adults that featured Black characters and that drew from Black history, culture and experiences. And we knew there was a demand. We had had trouble finding for our two children, books that featured characters who looked like them and stories that reflected their experiences and heritage. We knew other Black parents and teachers faced the same difficulty. 

It wasn’t a long discussion. We decided to step out on faith just as our ancestors had done before us.  Just Us Books was born. We chose that name because, simply, it was just the two of us.

The Just Us Books staff poses for a photo in 1992

Much has changed over these 35 years. We entered an industry in the 80s when only a handful of Black book creators were widely recognized such as Virginia Hamilton, Tom Feelings, Mildred Taylor, Walter Dean Myers, Eloise Greenfield, George Ford and James Haskins. Black editors, art directors and marketing professionals were few and far between. There were very few in-person book tours by children’s book authors or illustrators and making a national best-sellers list like the New York Times was a far-off dream. 

Over time, however, we have seen more Black and other book creators of color enter the industry. There has been an uptick in the number of BIPOC people in publishing positions. Black and book creators of color have won major industry awards and the bestseller lists are no longer nearly all white. We would like to think that Just Us Books has played a role in helping to achieve this progress.

Dr. Loretta Long reads her book Courtney's Birthday Party at a school visit

But so many challenges still remain. Books by Black creators are still a small percentage of the total number published every year. There is still a disparity in advances and royalties paid to Black and BIPOC authors and illustrators versus what’s paid to those who are white. Nearly 80 percent of the publishing companies staff are white. Most books by BIPOC authors and illustrators are not marketed as vigorously as those of white authors and illustrators. The myth that books by Black creators don’t sell is still a major barrier.  And most recently, book banning, and the closing of school libraries have added to the list of challenges as efforts to undo the progress that has been made intensify.   

We face these issues as we have done in the past. With resolve. Advocating and agitating for inclusion, diversity and equity ─ and doing the important work of sharing good stories that reflect a full range of experiences that center Black children, children of color and others who are marginalized. That same determination still drives us even as we must prepare to pass the baton to the next generations. We will do so assured that the struggle to create an industry and a world that is more just and equitable will continue.

Just Us Books’ 35 years have been quite a journey. As with any business endeavor, there have been periods of exciting milestones, disappointments, economic challenges, and many peaks and valleys. We have seen far too many other publishing ventures close their doors. Thankfully, as the Langston Hughes declared in his 1957 poem, we’re “Still Here.”

A parent reads the AFRO-BETS A B C Book to their child,
 decades after the title's initial publication

We are so grateful to the many Just Us Books authors, illustrators, publishing industry professionals and dedicated Just Us Books staff members who have partnered with us on this journey. We appreciate all the parents, teachers, administrators, librarians, booksellers, young readers, and other supporters who have been such an important part of this history too. In so many ways, we are all like family. There would be no Just Us Books, and certainly no 35 years, without you.  

Wade and Cheryl Hudson celebrate the publication of
We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices with contributors and 
author and illustrator friends at the Celebrating Our Voices event
held at North Carolina Central University.

And so, we’re still here and we continue, embracing the journey ahead. Creating good books that make a difference in the lives of children everywhere.

Just Us Books founders Cheryl Willis Hudson and Wade Hudson

Just Us Books Founders Wade and Cheryl Hudson Receive 2022 Carle Honors Award for Mentorship

Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson, founders of leading independent children's publisher Just Us Books, were recognized for their many contributions to children's literature with a 2022 Carle Honors award from The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. The award was presented at the Carle Honors Benefit Gala and Art Auction on Thursday, September 29, 2022.at Guastavino’s in New York City.

2022 Carle Honors mentor awardees Wade and Cheryl Hudson
photo: Stephan Hudson

Now in its 16th year, the annual gala and fundraiser celebrates individuals and organizations whose creative vision and long-term dedication have had a profound effect on picture books and the vital role they play in arts appreciation and early literacy. 

Wade and Cheryl were honored for their contributions as mentors -- reflected in their more than three decades of work as authors, publishers, and leading advocates for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the children’s book industry. 

Fellow honorees were Faith Ringgold (artist award); Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (angel award); and Ajia (bridge award).

A replay of the event is available here.

Wade and Cheryl Hudson are interviewed about their award

photo: Stephan Hudson

2022 Carle Honors awardees
photo: Stephan Hudson

Artist and the Hudsons' longtime friend George Ford stands with the print he donated for the auction
photo: Stephan Hudson

New for the New Year

There’s a Maya Angelou quote we love. It reads: “This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.” Like so many of her words, it’s a beautiful reminder. A reminder to practice gratitude, to see each new day as a gift — and that includes each new day we are blessed to continue our mission as a company.

We are grateful for the bright moments of 2020 (And there were many! Check out highlights in our video.) We’re grateful that Just Us Books weathered 2020’s challenges and continues to inspire readers through books that celebrate the richness of Black history and culture. We are grateful for almost 33 years in business and for each of you for your support.

We have lots to look forward to in 2021, including the April release of Papa’s Free Day Party, a picture book by Marilyn Nelson, illustrated by Wayne Anthony Still. This is a very special story, based on Marilyn’s family. You can read more in The Brown Bookshelf’s cover reveal article.

What are you grateful for as we enter this new year? No matter what’s on your gratitude list, we wish you more “wonderful days” in 2021 and beyond.

Coming April 2021. Available for pre-order