Zenda M. Walker is the author of the new children's picture books Zion's Crown and Zara's Wash Day, part of her Know Your Hairitage series. She runs the consulting business Know Your Hairitage LLC, which focuses on inclusion. She lives in New York.
Q: What inspired you to write the Know Your Hairitage series, and how did you create your characters Zion and Zara?
A: My daughter, Zara, struggled with insecurities about her Afro-coily hair at a young age, similar to my own experiences. Growing up in affirming homes did not prevent us, generations apart, from experiencing the same challenges.
To address this, I incorporated history lessons and discussions about the significance of our hair into our hair wash days. Seeing Zara's newfound confidence, improved conflict resolution skills, and academic performance inspired me.
After hearing similar stories from clients and other parents about boys facing similar challenges, I knew I wanted to include them in the conversation. The Know Your Hairitage series aims to elevate the textured hair discussion, using hairitage concepts to offer K-12 classrooms a fresh perspective on social studies and ELA topics.
Q: How did you research the books, and did you learn anything that especially surprised you?
A: I researched the books by diving into academic texts, articles, and nonfiction books, spending a lot of time in the library.
While the research wasn't hugely surprising, I was captivated by the role hair played in African resistance. It's amazing to see how precolonial styles are ingrained in our DNA, with our modern cultural hairstyles honoring the past, celebrating the present, and shaping the future.
Q: What do you think Princess Karibo’s illustrations add to the books?
A: Princess Karibo is an exceptional illustrator who truly grasps the assignment. Her vibrant colors and artistic technique beautifully reflect the African aesthetic. Her illustrations bring my stories to life, and I'm incredibly proud of what we've created to delight readers.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the series?
A: My primary hope is for children to feel seen and heard. I want them to experience stories that validate their own lives.
Additionally, I hope children from diverse backgrounds can connect with these characters and see their shared humanity. I believe education is the first step towards bridging racial divides and fostering understanding.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I just finished the manuscript for my third book, featuring an Afro-Latinx protagonist. I'm incredibly proud of this story and have collaborated with a close friend, a Latin Studies professor at The University of Texas. I've also drafted a young adult fantasy screenplay that I'm excited about.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: My education consulting company, Know Your Hairitage LLC, is a certified WMBE vendor offering a custom curriculum for K-12 classrooms seeking creative ways to enhance Social Studies, ELA, and vocational (BOCES) standards.
I'm booking speaking engagements and classroom visits now.
Visit
www.knowyourhairitage.com for updates or inquire
at info@knowyourhairitage.com.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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