The Coretta Scott King Award: An In-depth Look
Named for the courageous widow of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Coretta Scott King Award, recognizes distinguished contributions to children's literature by African-Americans. This Award is presented annually for books published in the preceding year, and is administered by the Coretta Scott King Task Force of the American Library Association's Social Responsibilities Round Table. Another award, also granted by the Task Force, The Coretta Scott King New Talent Award, commends great achievement and potential at the beginning of an author or illustrator's career.
The Coretta Scott King Award honors both authors and illustrators whose work for children expresses some aspect of the black experience, while enlightening readers about Dr. and Mrs. King's vision and pursuit of the "American Dream".
The Award was first presented in 1970, two years after Dr. King was assassinated. Prior to 1974, the award was only given to authors. Regrettably, there have been years, most recently 1985, when no illustrator award has been conferred. In the last decade, however, contenders for the award have increased in number. It is to be hoped that more and more African-Americans will see children's writing and illustration as a viable outlet for creative expression, as well as a necessary means to educating children everywhere on what it means to be black.
The first Coretta Scott King Award was won by author Lillie Patterson, for her book, "Martin Luther King, Jr.: Man of Peace". Patterson has also received Coretta Scott King Honors for her work: 1978, "Coretta Scott King"; 1979 "Benjamin Banneker"; 1990, "Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Freedom Movement".
In the thirty years since the Coretta Scott King Award was established, numerous African-American authors and illustrators have merited this achievement more than once. A sampling follows, including brief descriptions of their noted works.
Christopher Paul Curtis, won not only the Coretta Scott King Award for 2000, but the Newbery Medal as well. His book "Bud, Not Buddy", follows the life-changing journey of ten-year-old orphan Bud Caldwell, as he flees an abusive foster family in search of the father he's never known. Having only the slimmest of leads to follow, music posters advertising Jazz bandleader Herman Calloway, Bud sets off in search of the man and his Jazz band. Instead of a welcoming father figure, Bud finds a grumpy, old club owner. His disappointment is mitigated by a growing friendship with Calloway's band and an increasing interest in music. Set in the Depression era, with undertones of humor and music, Curtis illuminates the struggles of the African-American population and the spunk and determination of one young boy.
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