A SONG SO BLACK, SO PROUD!

This unique look at James Brown’s “Say It Loud—I’m Black and I’m Proud” is told from the perspective of the song itself.

“I’ve been flowing strong since I was born in 1968,” the tune informs readers, “Like the Mississippi River running up and down the States.” Black people of various shades appear in the illustrations. Infused with energy and life, text and art explain that the song is a testament to Black history and pride. Owens and Okafor celebrate protest and activism. “I’m free to inhale, exhale, / take a breath, breathe / Free to take a stand / on two feet or one knee,” the text asserts, accompanied by an image of a child standing beside an athlete kneeling. Author and illustrator also speak to the song’s continued relevance (“I’m topping charts on Spotify, I’m on the evening news. / I’m tumbling out of Usher’s mouth / and rolling with the times”). Backmatter notes that Brown, eager for his message of Black pride to resonate with young people, arranged for children to sing the chorus, making it a fitting topic for a picture book. The illustrations pop with striking yellows, pinks, greens, and blues; the refrain (“I’m a song so black, so proud. / Sing it strong! Sing it loud!”) is presented in large text against arresting, bright backgrounds; little ones will eagerly join in, chanting it aloud. (This book was reviewed digitally; this review was updated for factual accuracy.)

A fun and informative examination of a pivotal song in Black history.