This collection is a compilation of quotations by and portraits of prominent contemporary and historical African American icons paired with one- to two- sentence biographies. Each bold portrait is drawn comic-book style: thick, black lines with white spaces that pop against solid-color backgrounds. In many, the subject’s accomplishment or profession is incorporated into the portrait: Serena Williams is drawn swinging a tennis racket; Cathay Williams holds a sword and wears a U.S. Army uniform. Others, such as MC Ride and Poly Styrene, are rapping, singing, or simply appearing to be captured mid- speech. The individuals included in the collection are diverse in their talents: artists, musicians, politicians, writers, academics, athletes, activists, and more. They were chosen for inclusion because all were “people whose words and lives spoke to [Wimberly] personally.” Their quotations, which range from offhand to profound and thought-provoking, will undoubtedly strike a chord with readers, too. (Age 11 and older)

"Black History In Its Own Words started in January 2015 when Matt Bors asked me to find eight quotes and illustrate them for The Nib for February, Black History Month. I chose quotes ranging from the casual to the profound from luminaries both past and present. I had so much fun that I did four extra. The next year, 2016, I drafted 12 more; I had a habit. Presented here are the original 24 as well as 15 new ones for 2017."--Front matter.