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Bids/Classifieds Harlem’s Little Blackbird: A Timeless Story about a Forgotten Entertainer Florence Mills could have been in Ziegfeld’s Follies – but she chose black theater instead office buildings to be built around it and such a young age and I at the end the house is moved back out thought young people to the country. Who inspires you in writ- should know about enee Watson is a native New ing? And did anyone inspire you to write this remarkable little Yorker who has taught art, poet- Harlem’s Little Blackbird? girl who grew up to be ry, creative writing and theater to RW: I love The Snowy Day by Ezra an internationally kids from pre-school on up. She also Jack Keats, too! acclaimed performer. uses drama and writing as therapy tools In terms of writing, most of my inspi- While the book cele- for youth and adult clients. Her stun- ration comes from poetry. Poetry is all brates her professional ning new children’s picture book, about using the fewest words to convey career, for me, it is “Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story big emotion. It’s about rhythm and about using your of Florence Mills,” shares the true-life choosing the right words to tell a story. I voice to make tale of a singer during the 1920s artistic read a lot of poetry when I’m writing change—big or small. and cultural movement in New York. picture books. It reminds me that less is It is about holding on While many people have heard of more. to your dream and Renee Watson, author Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, When writing Harlem’s Little Black- believing that no mat- Count Basie and Duke Ellington, Flo- ter where you come from, you can bird, I looked at several picture book biographies to see rence Mills’ legacy has been lost to his- how other writers wrote about legendary performers. Two go anywhere, do anything. tory – because, incredibly, there is no of the books I went back to over and over again were When known recording of her voice. Yet the Marian Sang by Pam Muñoz Ryan and Duke Ellington: The TSN: Who is your audience? artist was so loved in her day that other RW: My primary audience for Piano Prince and His Orchestra by Andrea and Brian artists wrote music and theater in her this book is children ages 7 and up. Pinkney. honor. My hope is that people of all ages ‘She was very young In this book, Mills gracefully sketches TSN: How did you hook up with Christian Robinson? enjoy the story and find something Mills’ life – as a daughter of former slaves when she was invited to that resonates with them. RW: I was introduced to Christian by Random House. whose talent led her to the Broadway From the moment I saw his portfolio, I fell in love with his sing at an all-white stage but whose compassion for her own TSN: One of my favorite things style and was very excited that we’d be collaborating on community led her to turn down a spot on theater and was told about this gorgeous book as the this project. Christian lives in California and I live in New the Ziegfeld Follies to focus on all-Black author’s note at the end about how York, so we haven’t met face to face. We’ve spoken only that her black guests theater shows instead. Florence’s voice was never record- through email. I’m looking forward to meeting him in a few could not come in, so ed. How did you first hear of this weeks for the opening night at The Original Art annual All this — wrapped in exquisite original art by Christian Robinson using both remarkable woman and how did exhibit in New York City. The exhibit is a showcase of illus- she refused to sing’ painting and collage – for elementary trations from the year’s best children’s books published in —Renee Watson you research this story? school readers. This is a truly incredible RW: I was introduced to Flo- the U.S. It’s such an honor to be on that list and I’m so book that everyone should pick up and rence’s story by my editor, Suzy proud of Christian’s work. read, no matter your age or background. Capozzi. I worked with Suzy on my first picture book, A Watson’s previous books are the picture book, “A Place Place Where Hurricanes Happen, and when I pitched my TSN: What are you working on now? Where Hurricanes Happen,” and her gripping young adult idea to her about writing a series honoring unsung heroes, RW: Besides writing, I teach a poetry class as a writer-in- novel, “What Momma Left Me.” residence at an arts organization called DreamYard in the she told me she had the perfect person in mind. The Skanner News conducted an email interview with I did most of my research at The Schomburg Center for Bronx. Right now, most of my time is working on lesson Watson about her writing, her story, and why reading is so Research in Black Culture. The Schomburg is a treasure in plans and finding poems to bring into the classroom. I have important. Harlem that has a research library and a wealth of informa- a few new ideas for my next novel, but I am in the early tion on people of African descent worldwide. There, I was stages, still brainstorming about what I want to write about The Skanner News: What made you decide to write this able to read original newspapers that featured stories on next. book? Florence, and look through a collection of her personal arti- Renee Watson: I wanted to write a series of books that facts, including the playbills from her performances, letters TSN: Why is it important for little kids to read books — honored the lives of women of color who accomplished that she wrote, and her touring schedules. I also read the even picture books? amazing things, but we may not know much about. When I book, Harlem Jazz Queen by Bill Egan. Egan’s book is RW: I could go on and on about the importance of read- learned Florence’s story, I knew I had to tell it. This little what made me fall in love with Florence. ing—for not just children but adults as well. Besides the girl, born to former slaves, was already dancing and singing educational benefits, I think young readers have an oppor- by the time she was six-years-old. She was very young TSN: One of the remarkable things about this book is that tunity to learn and practice empathy when reading about when she was invited to sing at an all-white theater and was the style of it reminds me of classics from when I was a kid, characters and their struggles. It’s a safe way for the reader told that her black guests could not come in, so she refused like The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats and that one story to step into the shoes of someone else. to sing. I was moved by the boldness and passion she had at about the little house in New York that refused to move for Lisa Loving The Skanner News R Portland Public Schools PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL # 2012-1569 The Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP) is seeking a qualified Marketing/Website Sup- port, Enhancement and Maintenance consultant, firm, or team to provide overall project management for OMEP’s marketing strategy; manage OMEP’s social network; provide website maintenance and enhancement; and provide website analytics. More information can be found at www.omep.org. No telephone calls, please. Program Management and Construction Management Consultant Services In Support of the 2012 Capital Construction Bond Program PROPOSALS DUE NOVEMBER 20, 2012 AT 2:00 PM 10-21-12 PUBLIC OPENING NOVEMBER 20, 2012 AT 2:05 PM Portland Public Schools, School District No. 1J, Mult- nomah County, seeks written proposals from qualified firms to provide comprehensive, professional program management and construction management services to the District in support of the 2012 Capital Construction Bond Program, RFP 2012-1569. Sealed, in an envelope clearly listing the vendor name and proposal title, will be received by Elaine Holt, Program Director at: Bid Desk, Purchasing & Contracting, Blanchard Education Service Center, 501 N. Dixon St, Portland OR 97227 The Request for Proposal (RFP) documents may be obtained at the ORPIN website, www.orpin.oregon.gov. Firms must be registered with ORPIN to obtain and download documents; registration is at no cost. Contract terms, conditions and Specifications may be reviewed at Procurement Services, 501 N. Dixon Street, Portland Oregon, 97227. For additional information about this proj- ect, please contact the Purchasing Contact, Lynn Faulkenberry, at 503.916.3696, or email at purchas- ing@pps.net. 10-21-12 ON-CALL EVENT SET-UP PERSONNEL Washington State Convention Center (WSCC), located in downtown Seattle, is accepting applications for On- Call Event Set-Up Personnel. Responsibilities include manual tasks relating to setting meeting rooms and event support. Requires HS diploma or GED and min of 6 mos. exp in hospitality or event set-up activities preferred. Applicants must be available to work flexible hours including weekends, evenings and nights. Visit www.wscc.com for further info or to download an application. Apps are also available at the WSCC Serv- ice Entrance, 9th and Pike, Mon-Fri, 8am – 5pm. WSCC application must be completed for consideration. Jobline: (206) 694-5039. EOE. 10-21-12 October 31, 2012 The Seattle Skanner Page 7
