On Wednesday, Jan. 20, Germantown Academy hosted Charles R. Smith Jr. in the Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School, as well as during an after school event.
“Charles R. Smith Jr. is an acclaimed poet and the Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator of ‘My People’, a picture book based on the poem by Langston Hughes,” Simon and Schuster Publishing said in an observation of Smith’s works . “He is also the illustrator of If, the author and photographer of I Am the World, and he won the Coretta Scott King Author Honor for his book Twelve Rounds To Glory.
He grew up in California and attended the Brooks Institute of Photography. A magazine and book cover photographer in addition to a picture book creator, Charles lives with his wife and kids in Poughkeepsie, New York.
In the visit to the Upper School in particular, Smith displayed his elite poetry prowess through a series of recitations. In particular, Smith’s powerful message on gradual improvement and self-betterment resonated with many members of the GA community.
“I thought his visit was amazing, I really loved it,” Upper School English teacher Ms. Antoinette Peters said. “Because I had helped with the library readings, I got the opportunity to read some of his books and even though they were written for a younger audience I still thought they were very informative and I loved his message on mind, body and spirit.”
Smith is particularly well known for his novel 28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World, where he takes lesser well-known Black historical figures and shines the spotlight down on them and their accomplishments.
Throughout the different performances at GA, Smith recited his poetry that he wrote about figures like Shaquille O’Neil and Jimmy Hendrix. Both of the poems had very different poetic structures and utilized the unique aspects of the figure’s lives to enhance them.
Smith’s poem about O’Neil was a short and simple Acrostic capturing the grandeur of his towering figure. His poem for Hendrix was performed with a meter reflecting a rock and roll song and drumsticks and singing to go along with it.
Although Smith’s diverse resume is what initially catches his audience, his main goal while performing is to spread a positive message to his audience and readers.
“The number one lesson I would like for them to take as English teachers is to read more!” Ms. Peters said. “I hope that they take away the importance of reading and expanding one’s mind.”
Smith’s newest novel entitled Hoop Queens 2 is set to release on May 7 of this year. This novel will provide readers with poetry about fan favorite WNBA players. Smith cited in his performance with the Upper School that he hopes to shine light on these athletes who are sometimes underrepresented and underappreciated.