EVENT RECAP: Stories in Color—A Joyful Celebration of Black Voices and Legacy

We are still buzzing from the magic of connecting Motown history, modern storytelling, and our youngest readers!

This past National Literacy Month, the Black Entertainment Museum Foundation (BEMu) had the absolute pleasure of hosting "Stories in Color." The energy in the room was electric as families, authors, and community partners gathered for a vibrant celebration centering Black voices in children’s literature.

It was more than just a storytime; it was a powerful reminder of why representation matters. Seeing children’s faces light up when they see characters who look like them—as heroes, adventurers, and history-makers—is at the core of BEMu’s mission to educate and inspire.

Here is a look back at a truly magical day.

Living Legends and New Voices

The event kicked off with a warm welcome from our host, Sandy Christmas of the Los Angeles Public Library, setting the stage for an unforgettable lineup of storytellers.

We were incredibly honored to be in the presence of music royalty, Claudette Robinson. As "The First Lady of Motown" and a founding member of The Miracles, Claudette shared living history with a new generation. Reading from her book, Claudette’s Miraculous Motown Adventure, she transported the audience back to the magical beginnings of Motown. It was a beautiful moment linking the past legacy of Black entertainment to the future.

The energy kept flowing with the amazing Keaver Brenai. Known for her award-winning voiceover work with Disney+ and Netflix, Keaver enchanted the crowd. Sharing her Brenai Learning Series, she showed our young attendees the power of creativity and using their own unique voices.

Rounding out our incredible trio was Natalie Speech, whose reading captivated the audience and sparked wonderful imaginations. The interactive Q&A session that followed was a highlight, filled with insightful and adorable questions from our youngest guests!

BEMu in Action: Hands-On History

The magic didn't stop when the books were closed. The afternoon was filled with connection and creativity. Families crowded around the BEMu Pop-Up Exhibit, getting a tangible look at the rich legacy of Black entertainers that our foundation works tirelessly to preserve. The craft stations were busy with little hands creating masterpieces, and the author meet-and-greet line was buzzing with excitement as kids got their books signed by their new literary heroes.

Thank You for Making History With Us

"Stories in Color" was a resounding success because of our community.

We want to extend a massive thank you to our incredible partners, Mocha Girls Reads and the Los Angeles Public Library, for helping bring this vision to life. Thank you to Claudette, Keaver, and Natalie for sharing your gifts.

Most importantly, thank you to every family who attended. Your presence affirmed the vital need for spaces where Black history, culture, and joy are celebrated across generations.

As we move forward into a new year, events like this fuel our commitment to building a permanent home for these stories.

Stay tuned for more BEMu events coming in 2026!