Author brings children’s books to Amherstburg Freedom Museum

Author Nikki Clarke was at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum for a book signing May 30.

An author with a pair of children’s books stopped by the Amherstburg Freedom Museum recently. 

Dr. Nikki Clarke, who resides in Belleville, came to Windsor-Essex County May 31. After a stop at an Indigo location in Windsor, she made her way to Amherstburg with her children’s books “The Black Canadian History Colouring Book” and “The Paper Clip Princess” for a signing at the museum.

“I’m very honoured to be back for a second time to share two of my books,” said Clarke.

The Black Canadian History Colouring Book is a special project for her because it features significant contributors within the Black community including current and past individuals. Not only is it a colouring book, but there are biographies of the people in the book so children can learn from it as well.

“It’s a fun way to learn,” said Clarke. “Creativity meets history in a colouring book.”

The Paper Clip Princess involves a young girl creating items out of paperclips, with the goal of the book to encourage kids to be creative and show their gifts can lead them to making a livelihood.

Clarke said she worked with museum assistant curator Irene Moore Davis and described Moore Davis as being “fantastic” when it comes to working with her. She added she travels throughout the province promoting her books, including other books written for an older audience. One of the adult books is “One Story at a Time” with 30 collaborators sharing stories.

“Black history is Canadian history,” said Clarke. “Black history is world history.”Clarke thanked the museum for its role in the community and noted she wishes them well on their June 13 “Ribs and Ragtime” event.

Both of her children’s books are available at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. The museum is located at 277 King St. For more information, visit www.amherstburgfreedom.org or call 519-736-5433. People are also still needed to volunteer with “Ribs and Ragtime.”

Author brings children’s books to Amherstburg Freedom Museum

By Ron Giofu