Resolution 080057

..Title Honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of the Annual African American Children's Book Fair. ..Body WHEREAS, For sixteen years the African American Children's Book Fair, is one of the largest and oldest in the nation and has enhanced multiculturalism in our City utilizing the joy of reading as a tool; and WHEREAS, The importance of book fairs can not be understated for many of our youth use reading to better know the world around them and use books to help them develop into well educated adults; and WHEREAS, One of the most important reasons to encourage reading in our children is that studies show that the more our youth read the more likely they are to make positive lifestyle decisions as they grow older; and WHEREAS, Strictly judging by attendance, the fair is a tremendous success as well over 4,500 people attended the Fair in 2007; and WHEREAS, Rich or poor, no one leaves empty handed as posters bookmarkers and raffle books are distributed free of charge to attendees; and WHEREAS, The books themselves are priced at a level where they are more affordable than in many of the bookstores in the region; and WHEREAS, Many of the authors and illustrators will be in attendance as well as local celebrities to further enhance the excitement and vibrancy that the book fair exudes; and WHEREAS, One of the esteemed individuals in attendance will be freelance writer and attorney Charisse Carney-Nunez who is the founder of Brand Nu-Words, a new media company dedicated to publishing uniquely artistic and digital books for children and families, she also is the author of two books "I Dream for You a World: A Covenant for our Children" and "Nappy"; and WHEREAS, Gerald Purnell, cover illustrator for the acclaimed Bluford Series by Townson Press that has received numerous awards and honors will be in attendance, showing his powerful artwork on display in "Am I Color Too?" a book that demonstrates his talented work as a visionary in artistic literature for the young; and WHEREAS, The Fair is also lucky to host Nancy Devard, a versatile artist born and raised in Philadelphia whose illustrations are featured in the trade picture book entitled "The Secret Olivia Told Me";a book containing pictures and stories about African Americans that carry messages and enjoyment for young and old alike; and WHEREAS, The 16th Annual African American Book Fair will be held free of charge on Saturday February 2nd from one to three pm at the gymnasium of the Community College of Philadelphia located at 17th & Spring Garden Streets; now therefore RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of the Annual African American Children's Book Fair. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the founder of the African American Children's Book Project; Vanesse J. Lloyd-Sgambati, Charisse Carney-Nunez, Nancy Devard, and Gerald Purnell for their hard work and efforts in the promotion of children's literacy, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. ..End