Black Boy, Black Boy

A vibrantly illustrated, inspiring picture book celebrating Black boyhood from celebrated spoken-word poet Angela Bowden.

Black boy, you are a gift
Of the past and the present
You’re the sun
You’re the moon
You’re the stars
EVERYTHING

Black Boy, Black Boy celebrates self-love and identity for Black boys globally. Written by acclaimed author and poet Angela Bowden, this poignant spoken-word poem encourages young minds to embrace their cultural roots and identities, and to dream boundlessly.

Using vivid imagery and verse to bring readers on a journey of self-discovery and resilience, Black Boy, Black Boy invites readers to explore legacies passed down from ancestors, embodied in today’s Black men, and destined for future leaders. This moving poem honours achievements in every field, from medicine and music, to the nurturing embrace of Black fatherhood. Renowned artist Ibe Ananaba enriches this journey with vibrant illustrations depicting icons like Nelson Mandela, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Chinua Achebe, Walter Borden, Chadwick Boseman, and other heroes, both iconic and unsung.

By showcasing Canadian and American icons alongside international ones, the book universally reflects the experiences of Black boys everywhere. It affirms that the spirit and legacy of Black excellence moves beyond geographic borders and resides within each individual, inspiring pride and limitless potential.