Mompreneurs: Authors With Roda Ahmed & Charnaie Gordon
Mompreneurs: Writing Children’s Books With Roda Ahmed & Charnaie Gordon
On this episode of the Mompreneurs podcast, host Nancy Redd chats with Roda Ahmed and Charnaie Gordon, two incredible Black mompreneurs who are making waves in the publishing world with their spirit of inclusivity and passion for storytelling.
Ahmed and Gordon, both mothers and book lovers, came together to create their own children’s series, Etta Extraordinaire, with more exciting work on the horizon. They sat down with Redd, fellow author and Mompreneurs host, to discuss their love of reading, upcoming projects, and why there’s never been a better time to publish books.
The mompreneurs share a passion for diverse storytelling.
Gordon is an award-winning author, educator, and founder of Here Wee Read, a platform for sharing diverse children’s literature and educational resources. She connected with Ahmed, CEO of HighTree Publishing—a New York Times bestselling publisher—and bonded over their daughters’ favorite reads.
Inspired by their children, they set out to create stories that center Black and Brown children as main characters—and Etta Extraordinaire was born. “We poured our souls into a book we wish we had for our daughters,” said Ahmed.
‘Books are powerful.’
The dynamic duo is doing the necessary work of ensuring that diverse representation is promoted in book publishing. “Books are important and books are powerful,” said Ahmed.
“We need more of us in the industry writing books not just for our children but for all kids,” added Gordon, who also founded 50 States 50 Books.
The publishing mavens encouraged others to delve into the world of books. “There’s never in the history of humanity been a better time to write and publish a book than right now,” said Ahmed. “It’s a shifting market and it’s so exciting.”
‘I just want to celebrate Black authors.’
As Black women in publishing, Ahmed and Gordon shared their experiences with book bans and their approach to navigating the current political climate.
Ahmed’s celebrated picture book, Mae Among the Stars—which tells the story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel to space—has been banned in 40 states, she said. But some are fighting back. “In Pennsylvania, the students went on a strike and overturned the ban. So people have power as well,” Ahmed said.
Given the current political climate, it’s more crucial than ever to amplify diverse representation in books, they affirmed. “We need each other, we need community, so I have made it my mission to celebrate books by Black authors,” said Gordon, who released her newest book, Black Joy, in January. She also released a set of flashcards, Young Historians Club: Black American History, which is available now.
Don’t miss out on the full conversation. Watch or listen to this episode of Mompreneurs above.
Catch new episodes of ‘Mompreneurs’ every week.
Every week, we celebrate beautiful Black entrepreneurs who are simultaneously amazing business moguls and awesome moms. Join host and New York Times bestselling author Nancy Redd as these mompreneurs share their life stories and inspiring advice. Catch new episodes of Mompreneurs every Monday on MadameNoire’s YouTube channel. Or listen to the podcast online on the Urban One Podcast Network.
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