Burnsville, MN, May 16, 2023– Mackin, a leading provider of high-quality library and classroom materials, is proud to announce its upcoming free webinar, Lifting Voices, featuring two renowned and accomplished guests: Pulitzer Prize winner and author, Rhiannon Giddens, and celebrated author, Carole Boston Weatherford. The webinar will take place on May 31, 2023, and will be available to all educators and librarians free of charge.
Rhiannon Giddens is a Grammy-nominated musician and songwriter, known for her powerful performances and social justice advocacy. In 2017, Giddens became the first woman of color to win the prestigious MacArthur “Genius” Grant, and in 2023, she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, along with Michael Abels for their opera project, Omar. Her 2022 picture book, Build a House, from Candlewick Press, Giddens speaks of the history of slavery in America through the story of a courageous family who stayed in their home and the music that kept them strong through their many lifelong challenges. Giddens is also a member of the Grammy-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops and co-founder of the supergroup Our Native Daughters.
Carole Boston Weatherford is a New York Times bestselling author and poet who has won numerous awards for her children’s and young adult books. Her work often focuses on African American history and culture, including her critically acclaimed book “Juneteenth Jamboree” which tells the story of the celebration of Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Weatherford has been honored with the Coretta Scott King Award, the NAACP Image Award, and the Carter G. Woodson Award, among others.
During the Lifting Voices webinar, Giddens and Weatherford will discuss their experiences as artists and activists, and the power of literature and music to inspire social change. The webinar will also explore ways to incorporate diverse voices and perspectives into classroom and library materials, and the importance of representing a variety of stories and experiences.
To register for the Lifting Voices webinar and to learn more about Mackin, please visit https://home.mackin.com/resources/webinars/