Valorena Publishing & Cocoa Kids Collection International Scholarship

Growing up in New York City as a child filled me with wonder. Each day promised a new experience, and I was immersed in a world of expression. I marveled at the intricate murals on buildings, cheered on passionate street performers, listened to the musicality of different cultures, and watched the Rockettes twirl and kick in sync at Radio City. This perfect blend of art, rhythm, creativity, and culture contributed to my artistic awakening, but the power of picture books ignited my love for literacy. My parents encouraged my love for literacy by describing books as journeys yet to be discovered. "If you keep reading, your vocabulary will grow stronger and stronger," they'd say. My reading path can be described in a simple timeline: I received my first library card at the age of two and was over the moon by the thought of renting out books I wanted! As I grew older, I delved into the classics: Charlotte's Web, the Junie B. Jones series, Anansi the Spider, and the Who Was series. The more I read, the more I felt energized. Inspired. I didn't know what these emotions meant, so I expressed them on paper with a dull wooden pencil and dried-out Crayola markers. My parents, recognizing my sudden urge to illustrate my thoughts, bought me the Highlights magazines. I delved into the stories and illustrated countless scenarios. I even wrote my own stories based on my experiences as an ambitious four-year-old. While this early experience of literature and art paved the way for my life, my journey took an unexpected turn when I moved to North Carolina when I was eight. I transitioned from the concrete jungle, the great metropolis, to a slower-paced Southern environment. From third grade to my senior year of high school, I was often the only Black girl in my classroom. People made snarky comments about New York and Black culture; my teachers couldn't care less about culturally relevant pedagogy, and my competitive classmates compared their fake tans to my brown skin. I saw a Confederate flag each time I left for school. I did not feel welcomed. I was living a nightmare that brought up the issue of representation in literature and art. The bookshelves in my school were dusty and untouched, filled with Southern Gothics, Confederate writings from 1865, and picture books with lily-white characters. As the pages of the book fell from the spine, I felt myself falling into a depression. How could two places be so different? Did I take diversity for granted in New York City? Did my peers even care about reading? I took my frustration and the need for compassion into my artwork to address my yearning for representation. My AP Art portfolio became my visual journal for expressing themes of insecurity among different cultures. Through my art, I found my voice. Now, as a student at North Carolina A&T, I am committed to using my voice to promote inclusivity and representation in picture books. I believe it is my destiny to create art and stories that reflect the multicultural world. I want to ensure that Black and brown children don't go unnoticed, just as I felt during my time in North Carolina. With the help of this scholarship, you are funding my education. You are allowing me the resources to strengthen my artistic skills. I am passionate about contributing to a world where every child can see themselves in a picture book while learning to love literature, just as I once did.

My journey is a tapestry woven with threads of resilience, passion for storytelling, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world. As Lamaria Washington, a journalism major at Howard University, I am not just a student; I am an advocate, a storyteller, and a relentless pursuer of knowledge and understanding. Literacy has been my steadfast companion throughout life, opening gateways to worlds unknown and shaping the person I am today. Growing up in the underserved community of Overtown in Miami, literacy became my beacon of hope. Books were not just a means of acquiring knowledge; they were my escape, offering solace in the written word. As I navigated the challenges of my environment, literacy became a powerful tool for self-empowerment. In the academic realm, literacy paved the way for my pursuit of journalism at Howard University. The ability to articulate thoughts coherently, fueled by a rich vocabulary and an understanding of the written word, has been instrumental in my academic success. Beyond the confines of the classroom, literacy has enabled me to engage meaningfully with diverse perspectives, fostering a broader understanding of the world. Picture books hold a special place in my heart, reminiscent of a time when stories were adorned with vibrant illustrations and fueled by boundless imagination. As a child, these books were my windows into fantastical realms and my introduction to the beauty of visual storytelling. The enchanting combination of words and images not only sparked my creativity but instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of narrative. Now, as a journalism major, I recognize the enduring influence of picture books in shaping my communication style. The ability to convey complex ideas through compelling visuals is a skill I continue to hone. Picture books taught me the art of storytelling transcends age, and I carry this lesson into my endeavors as a storyteller, aiming to create narratives that resonate universally. My endeavors are rooted in a fervent desire to amplify marginalized voices, bring attention to social issues, and foster understanding. Through my platform, "Herstory In Making," I strive to create a space for dialogue on topics ranging from beauty standards to systemic injustices. My goal is to inspire empathy and provoke thoughtful conversations that lead to positive change. This award is not just financial assistance; it is a recognition of the potential impact of my work. With this support, I intend to further refine my storytelling skills, delving deeper into the nuances of journalism and narrative construction. The award will contribute to the expansion of my platform, allowing me to reach a wider audience and engage in more impactful storytelling. In the grand tapestry of my life, literacy has been the golden thread weaving together the chapters of my story. Picture books, with their whimsy and wonder, have added vibrant hues to this narrative. With this award, I aim to continue my journey as a storyteller and advocate, leveraging the transformative power of literacy to create narratives that resonate, provoke, and inspire change. This award is not just a recognition of past achievements; it is an investment in the potential for a brighter, more empathetic future crafted through the art of storytelling.