Blue Banyan Books is set to breathe new life into Jamaica's rich cultural legacy with the launch of two groundbreaking graphic novels featuring two Jamaican icons, Marcus Garvey and Mary Seacole. The pre-publication launch event will take place on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 3 p.m. at the Miramar Civic Center, 2300 Civic Center Pl, Miramar, FL 33025.
Bringing History to Young Readers
Award-winning author Geoffrey Philp's "My Name is Marcus" and Tanya Batson-Savage's "My Name is Mary" transform these distant historical figures into relatable heroes for today's children. Aimed at readers aged 8-12, both graphic novels were illustrated by teams of talented Jamaican artists.
The official release date, September 15, coincides with the birthday of another Jamaican icon, Claude McKay, whose early work was published in Garvey's newspaper.
A New Perspective on Jamaican Heroes
These visually stimulating books offer young readers colorful, inspiring journeys through the lives of Marcus Garvey, a key figure in the global fight for racial equality, Jamaica's first National Hero, and Mary Seacole, who made history through her work during the Crimean War.
Geoffrey Philp emphasizes the importance of showcasing Garvey's human side: "I wanted to show him as a kid who loved cricket, swimming, and running. I also wanted to highlight his doubts and moments of loneliness, especially during his time in prison. Despite all the obstacles, Garvey never gave up because he had a clear purpose."
Educating and Inspiring a New Generation
Both graphic novels serve as valuable resources for parents and educators, tackling important topics such as racial justice and heroism.
"This is the perfect time to bring Garvey's message of perseverance, purpose, and self-reliance back into the spotlight," Philp added. "We're still grappling with issues of 'mental slavery' in our society, and with social media platforms like TikTok constantly grabbing kids' attention, Garvey's inspiring story might get lost in the shuffle."
Tanya Batson-Savage echoes this sentiment: "These inspiring stories must be told to a new generation, and I think it's particularly important that we tell our own stories. As Garvey himself said, our children must know their history. These stories are written and illustrated in ways that allow them to resonate with children but can also be enjoyed by adults."
About the Publisher: Blue Banyan Books is an award-winning independent Caribbean publishing house producing diverse, entertaining, and intriguing books. The company is one of the fastest growing trade-publishers in the English-speaking Caribbean, creating visually appealing, high-quality books for children, young adults, and adults. Their adult and YA books are published under the imprint Blouse & Skirt Books.
About the Authors:
Geoffrey Philp, recipient of the Silver Musgrave Medal in Literature, has authored two short story collections, two novels, three children's books, and eight poetry collections. His work appears in "The Oxford Book of Caribbean Verse" and "The Oxford Book of Caribbean Short Stories". Philp has received numerous accolades, including the Marcus Garvey Award for Excellence in Education. As a former Chairperson of Developmental Education and Associate Professor at Miami Dade College for over three decades, his teaching experience spans various academic levels, including middle school. A respected public speaker, Philp continues to honor Marcus Garvey's legacy with an educational website, RESPECT Garvey, his novel, "Garvey's Ghost," and his latest offering, the graphic novel "My Name Is Marcus."
Tanya Batson-Savage is an author, publisher, filmmaker, and former journalist. Her work has been widely anthologized, and she is the author of the children's collection of stories, such as "Pumpkin Belly and Other Stories."
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