A Message from Karyn

Is it possible for it to seem like this year is moving at super fast and slow speeds at the same time? For me personally, this  month has been jam packed with the debut of my novel 'How High the Moon' and a number of inquiries to bring Sweet Blackberry to your communities all around the country. We're even working hard on bringing the Bessie Coleman story to your homes and finalizing Kickstarter items for our amazing supporters. 

Aside from our schedule, there is also a lot to celebrate this month -- after all it is Women's History Month. This month's activity will put your brain to work identifying key women in American history who, in various ways, shattered glass ceilings. 

Please be sure to check out everything we have to offer in this month's newsletter including trivia, the book of the month and much more! 

Happy Spring! 

Karyn
Celebrating Women's History Month

There was a time when women could not vote. They could not hold political office. They could not own companies or inherit property. 

As March marks Women's History Month, Sweet Blackberry would like to pay tribute to many trailblazers such as Carolyn Robertson Payton, the first Black women to become Head of the Peace Corps, Sharon Pratt Dixon Kelly, the first Black woman to become mayor of a major U.S. city and Toni Morrison, the first Black woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. 

Check out this month's activity and test your knowledge on notable women in Black history. 
Support Sweet Blackberry with Amazon Smile

Did you know that when you purchase items through Amazon.com, Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charity organization? That's right! 

This month, we are continuing to encourage you to register Sweet Blackberry as your charity of choice through the AmazonSmile program. Simply register here: https://smile.amazon.com/
Oscars Make History 

Three years after an uproar over the lack of diversity presented at the Academy Awards ceremony, many filmmakers, actors and designers have finally received the recognition they deserved and were able to take home the key prize of the night. 

Ruth Carter (Black Panther) became the first African-American woman to win an Academy Award for costume design. 

Hannah Beachler (Black Panther) is the first African-American to win an Oscar for production design. 

Peter Ramsey (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) became the first Black winner got best animated feature. 

Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk) won an Oscar for best supporting actress. 

Spike Lee and Kevin Willmott (BlacKkKlansman) won the award for best adapted screenplay. 

Mahershala Ali (Green Book) brought home his second Academy Award becoming the first Black actor to win two Oscars for best supporting actor. 
Source: AP Images/Ringer Illustration
Move over Hitchcock -- Jordan Peele finds his place at the table

Once known for his contributions to comedy, Jordan Peele is now known as the filmmaker that keeps his viewers on their toes questioning his allegorical masterpieces. 

Where 'Get Out' made heads turn 'Us' is making sure the attention does not shy away with it's $70 million opening weekend. 

Without giving away any spoilers and if suspense is your thing -- be sure to check out 'Us' playing at a theater near you. 
Read All About It! 

CNBC - Upset over the 'Green Book' Oscar triumph? Jordan Peele might have the answer for you - and it's scary

Black Nerd Girls -Karyn Parsons Talks About Her Debut Novel, 'How High the Moon'

DCist - African American History Museum Unveils Previously Unknown Harriet Tubman Photo

Smithsonian.com - For Turn-of-the-Century African-Americans, the Camera Was a Tool for Empowerment

Bloomberg - Karyn Parsons' on empowering children

Chicago Defender -Shaq Joins Papa John's as 1st African-American Board Member
What's To Come

In addition to our premiere screening Flying Free: The Bessie Coleman Story last month, we are currently working on fulfilling the remaining Kickstarter requests and working on developing DVDs including many of the remaining celebrity items, collection dvds and Bessie specific rewards. 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at admin@sweetblackberry.com. 
Bring Sweet Blackberry To Your Area

Want to bring Sweet Blackberry to your area? You got it! Sweet Blackberry will come to your school or community event to share our mission and the triumphant stories of individuals surmounting the odds and making invaluable contributions to our society. 

As you know, Black history is rarely touched on in our schools and even if it is, it's often summed down to a few individuals all within a short time of the year. Sweet Blackberry's stories illustrate the concept that tremendous obstacles are actually opportunities for greatness! 

Sweet Blackberry visits all come with a film screening, hands on activity, teaching guides and a questions and answer session with our founder, Karyn Parsons. 

To learn more about these visits, please contact us at admin@sweetblackberry.org
Book of the Month: 
June Peters, You Will Change The World One Day
By Alika R. Turner

June Peters, is a vibrant ten year old girl who understands the importance of giving. She's determined to make a difference in the world and will do whatever it takes to complete her mission. However, she learns a valuable lesson about talking to strangers and giving away her lunch money. June is still eager to help those in need even if it means losing the one privilege she worked so hard for. June, like many innocent and naive children, does not understand why her act of kindness is both well received by others, but worrisome to her parents. 

June is remarkable and this story will encourages children and adults alike to see, to feel, and to take action in order to help those in need. 

This book is not only great as a bedtime story but is also a great fit for the classroom.

Check out this book on Amazon Smile here. 
#SweetBlackHistory

I was the president of the Arkansas NAACP
I guided the Little Rock Nine and requested federal support for President Dwight D. Eisenhower after students were threatened
I won a 1988 National Book Award


Who am I? 
Tweet your answer to  @SwtBlackberry  for a shout out in next month's newsletter! 

The answer to last month's trivia question was Tommie Smith! 
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