Javaka Steptoe and Vogue Robinson at UNLV courtesy of the Gale A. Zeiter Literacy Center.

Javaka Steptoe  Illustrator  and author

Every year the Gayle A. Zeiter center hosts a Children's and Young Adult Literature Conference. The two professors who put this conference together are Dr. Sophie Ladd and Dr. Denise Davila. They do wonderful work. This year they hosted Javaka Steptoe and local Clark County Poet Laureate, Vogue Robinson.  It was a wonderful event. I enjoyed the vibrant art of Javaka and the moving poetry of Vogue. 

Javaka shared his book, Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. It was actually quite moving to hear him introduce and explore the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat. I confess that I did know his art very well. I loved how Javaka's book was both his creation and an homage to the work of another artist. Do yourself a favor and explore the works of both.

I know, some of are thinking- "Hey Steve, this is a blog for YA." Yes, but beauty and art is found in different places. In his speech, that was mainly directed at teachers, Javaka admonished us to do our work based on four words. They are: Love, Me, Honesty, and Forgive. I was instructed. I hope that I try to love what I do. I strive to make "me" present in what I do and say. I think that I work to be honest --with me students, my work, and my passionate. Forgive, myself and my students. This was very powerful. Life can be a series of hits and misses. Let's strive to forgive and move forward with love and forgiveness.

Vogue Robinson

I love to listen to spoken word poetry. Vogue was an amazing find. I am going to have to talk to Denise about why I haven't been introduced to her sooner. Watch out secondary education students at UNLV, there will be a poet coming to you soon. Hit this link and like Vogue's Facebook page.

I was attending the conference and just could resist archiving such a wonderful event.
Until next time.

​Steve