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Past Virgina Hamilton conference attendees

In the early 1980s several Kent State University faculty including Dr. Anthony L. Manna of the College and Graduate School of Education and Dr. Clara Jackson of the School of Library and Information Science came together to revive a children’s literature conference that had been previously held at Kent State. As the group began to plan, they decided not to establish a children’s literature conference with a general focus, but instead to have a focus on multicultural literature for children and young adults. The group also decided the conference should be named in honor of Ohio native Virginia Hamilton, who had published first-rate books for young people and who exemplified the cultural theme focus.

The first conference was held on April 12, 1985, with the late Virginia Hamilton presenting the inaugural keynote address. In her speech, she talked about the African- American traditions that had influenced her work. She traced her journey as a writer who explores the experiences of individuals within the context of their special cultural identity and history.

Each year the conference showcases some of the country’s wonderful talents in multicultural literature for youth. It brings together renowned national and local writers, illustrators, librarians, teachers, students and scholars who share a commitment to promoting the importance of multicultural literature.

This April, the Virginia Hamilton Conference continues as the longest-running event in the United States to focus exclusively on multicultural literature for children and young adults. It will be held April 8 and 9 in the Kent Student Center.

“A New Horizon – the Next 25 Years!” is the theme for the 2010 conference. It will feature the works of two award-winning authors of children’s and young adult literature, Pam Munoz Ryan and Laurie Halse Anderson, as well as renowned children’s illustrator R . Gregory Christie. The program begins on Thursday evening, April 8, with a keynote address by Ryan, winner of the 12th Annual Virginia Hamilton Literary Award, and a performance by The HeartBEAT Afrika, a performing arts ensemble that fuses the traditional music of Africa with modern live band forms.

On Friday, April 9, a variety of local and national speakers will present workshop sessions on such topics as young adult angst books, multicultural picture books, Latino literature, children’s biographies, Virginia Hamilton’s work and multicultural programs. Friday's conference agenda will again include a “conversation" session with the three featured presenters.

The event continues to reflect a commitment to promoting cultural awareness and affirming cultural pride while addressing many of the issues that surround a wide array of cultures. As a central focus, the conference provides a forum for discussion of multicultural themes and issues in literature for children and young adults.

To register, contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at 330- 672-3100 or 800-672-KSU2. For more information, visit the conference Web site for the conference schedule.

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