By: Jordan Meadows | Staff Writer
On Thursday, the City of Raleigh Museum played host to an inspiring and educational event led by Wanda Cox-Bailey, a retired librarian and president of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society Triangle Chapter.
Cox-Bailey, who has dedicated her life to preserving the memories and oral histories of the Southeast community in Raleigh, gave attendees an intimate look at the history of African American literature, civil rights, and the importance of representation in children’s books.
With over 30 years of experience in Black children’s literature, Cox-Bailey spoke passionately about the significance of Black children seeing themselves in the books they read. As a librarian, she’s spent much of her career ensuring that young Black readers have access to stories that reflect their experiences, histories, and potential. She emphasized that by sharing these stories through high-quality literature, everyone benefits—not just Black children, but society as a whole.
“I have one mission today: that each of you leaves with a spark. A small spark to get to know more African American authors and to know more about American history.” Cox-Bailey said.
A major highlight of the event was her discussion of Carole Boston Weatherford, a prolific African American author and critic who has published over 50 children’s books. Weatherford’s works, according to Cox-Bailey, are designed to be inclusive for readers of all ages, from children to adults, exploring stories that span from slavery to emancipation and through the civil rights movement.
Cox-Bailey also explored historical and literary milestones, such as The Story of Little Black Sambo, a book first published in 1899. The story, originally written by Scottish author Helen Bannerman, is often considered one of the first to feature a Black child as the hero. Cox-Bailey discussed the challenges of interpreting such texts, noting that their impact is both historical and controversial.
“What did I read as a child? I read a lot of books about animals and fairy tales. Otherwise, I wasn’t being seen,” Cox-Bailey explained.
Among the figures she highlighted during her presentation were towering African American leaders such as James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, and Countee Cullen.
“A lot of James Baldwin’s writing was so intense. He was a very prolific writer. He did essays, fiction, and more,” Cox-Bailey said.
Cox-Bailey noted how Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History Week and Month, helped foster a sense of identity and pride for children, adults, and anyone seeking to learn about Black history.
“Children, adults, anyone who wanted information and wanted books that reflected who we were, our accomplishments, and where we were going,” Cox-Bailey said about the significance of Black History Month.
Cox-Bailey also acknowledged the efforts of key figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Thurgood Marshall, Jesse Owens, and Muhammad Ali. Their stories, she said, should be celebrated and remembered as essential parts of the American fabric.
The event also allowed Cox-Bailey to share her deep knowledge of Raleigh’s African American history. She pointed out that Raleigh didn’t have a public library for people of color until 1935, when Mollie Huston Lee, a graduate of Columbia University, took action and raised funds for a library specifically for African Americans. This new library was named after the famous actor Richard B. Harrison, the first African American to appear on the cover of TIME magazine.
In her own life, Cox-Bailey’s dedication to history and culture began early. Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, she was raised as a military child, moving from places like Germany and Okinawa while caring for her siblings. She studied Social Work and Library Science at the University of Maryland, where a librarian inspired her to become a school librarian.
Her career took off as she became increasingly involved in children’s literature, and she developed a deep love for storytelling. Today, she is a regional manager at the Harrison Library and a recognized authority on Raleigh’s African American history.
Cox-Bailey also discussed her own experiences with race in North Carolina, recalling her great-grandmother’s experience as a slave and the unsettling Klan signs she saw while traveling through the state. She noted the significance of the Green Book, a guide that helped African Americans find safe places to stay while traveling during segregation.
As president of the Triangle Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Cox-Bailey has worked tirelessly to preserve the legacies of Black Americans. She is also a member of numerous organizations, including the Black Caucus of the American Library Association and the North Carolina and National Associations of Black Storytellers.
Through her work, Wanda Cox-Bailey continues to serve as an invaluable resource for preserving the rich history and stories of the African American community. For those who attended, the evening was not just a chance to learn but an invitation to ignite a spark—an encouragement to think deeper about the stories of Black American authors, heroes, and history that has shaped America.
