It's a subject that we will continue to target until we see a light at the end of the tunnel, youth violence. A study by the World Health Organization showed around the world, 42% of homicide victims are now children and young adults between the ages of 10 and 29; 84% of those are males. A local author has released a children's book specifically for brown and black boys. Her goal is to boost their confidence and self-esteem, and to let them know they can grow up and be great, productive young men.
"Throughout the book we say things like son you are amazing. You make the world light up with your smile. You make people dance when they see you. You make people happy," Senora McCracken references words in her newly released book, Sonshine. It was initially a love letter to her young son. Words of affirmation to let him know he’s on the right path, that he can be great and help make the world a better place. As she read her book to her son, she realized it could benefit other young boys who could use encouraging words.
"Other boys need to hear this as well. Little brown and black boys. Boys who look like him," said McCracken.
McCracken’s son Harley is now seven years old. He says as much as he’s been read to and read the book Sonshine himself, he still loves every page.
"I like the way the book makes me feel.” said Harley. How does it make you feel? “Better."
McCracken has also now created products on her website to encourage little boys that they can be all they want to be. She has stickers and wall art. Some of the stickers created for Harley and other little boys who have those childhood dreams of being ninjas and other superheroes, who will one day find their place in this world as strong, confident, black and brown men.
"I want to be a firefighter, a policeman, a doctor and engineer," said Harley
McCracken has a book signing of Sonshine, Thursday, December 15th at the Exploreum in downtown Mobile from 5:00 p.m – 8:00 p.m.