Bianca with Dr. Cole and Nelda LaTeef on African Proverbs for All Ages

In this episode, I talk with noted anthropologist and educator
Dr. Johnetta Betsch Cole and award-winning illustrator Nelda La
Teef.


We discuss their picture book, African Proverbs for All Ages, the
first Oprah Book. It is a beautifully-illustrated, engaging
picture book about the power of proverbs, how they evolve over
time, and the wisdom of various cultures in Africa.


A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Cole grew up during the
days of racial segregation. She holds a B.A. in sociology from
Oberlin College, and masters and doctorate degrees from
Northwestern University. Dr. Cole has conducted anthropological
fieldwork in Liberia, West Africa, and traveled to 17 African
countries. She is the only person to have served as president for
both Spelman and Bennet Colleges; she was also the  Director
of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art from 2009 to
2016. Dr. Cole serves as the Chair of the Board and the President
of the  National Council of Negro Women, an organization
with a membership of over two million women of African descent.
Throughout her career, she has worked on issues of racial,
gender, and other systems of inequality.


Nelda LaTeef is the award-winning author and illustrator of The
Hunter and The Ebony Tree, Animal Village, and The Talking Baobab
Tree.  She grew up in a US Foreign Service family and spent
her childhood attending schools in Europe, Africa, and Asia. She
has traveled throughout West Africa conducting field research and
has even been to the fabled city of Timbuktu. She holds a degree
in social anthropology from Harvard University. Nelda lives in
Virginia with her family where she enjoys traveling, tennis, and
cycling.


Order a copy of African Proverbs of All Ages here.


Visit Nelda Lateef at https://www.neldalateef.com/.


Resources:


National Council of Negro Women: https://ncnw.org/


https://www.spelman.edu/about-us/office-of-the-president/past-presidents/johnnetta-cole


Transcription:


You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review.


Discussion Topics:


A story summary of African Proverbs for All Ages.

What is a proverb?

Why are we drawn to proverbs?

All about African Proverbs for All Ages.

Favorite proverbs.

Becoming readers.