Schools in Alabama Cancel Black History Month Events

The New-York Times bestselling children’s author, Derrick Barnes, who was scheduled to speak at three Alabama schools at events which were part of the Black History month, found out that the events were suddenly cancelled.

Barnes was to visit schools in Alabaster City and Hoover City school districts next month to read from his books which feature black protagonists.

“It’s important that white children, too, get a chance to see children that don’t look like them doing the same things they do: having a family, having people around them that love and care about them, and just doing everyday things.”

Derrick Barnes

Barnes says that he was informed that the sudden cancellation of the events was due to “contract issues,” but believes that the stated reason is just “a boldfaced lie.” Barnes told CBS42 that the reasons for these cancellations are political, and borne out of ignorance and fear.

The celebrated children’s author, known for “The King of Kindergarten,” and “Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut” was scheduled to read from his books at elementary schools in these cities.

Barnes told CBS42, “It’s important that white children, too, get a chance to see children that don’t look like them doing the same things they do: having a family, having people around them that love and care about them, and just doing everyday things.”

“But if you’re Black in this country and you’re an artist, it automatically makes you an activist,” he said. “Because I think ‘you really don’t want me to come speak to your kids? What have I done other than spread love,” Barnes added.

Mr Barnes found nationwide acclaim in 2017 his picture book “Crown: An ode to the Fresh Cut” won him the Kirkus Prize, Corretta Scott King award, a Newberry Honor and a Caldecott Honor.

In a statement sent out to CBS42, Hoover City Schools denied that the reasons for cancellation of these events were political. “The Hoover City Schools District apologizes for the inconvenience caused to author DerrickBarnes and his team…The cancellation of Mr. Barnes’ visit to Bluff Park, Deer Valley, and Gwin Elementary Schools next month is due to the lack of a contract requested on three (3) occasions. It is the district’s business practice to require contracts for services provided or goods exchanged,” the statement read.