Prolific award winning children author , Ashley Bryan has died at the age of 98. NBC News reported.
The prolific and prize-winning children’s author and illustrator who told stories of Black life, culture and folklore in such acclaimed works as “Freedom Over Me,” “Beautiful Blackbird” and “Beat the Story-Drum, Pum-Pum,” has died at age 98.
Who is Ashley Bryan ?
Reacting to his death.
Several people took to social media to pay tribute to the late icon.
just found out Ashley Bryan passed away and I’m extremely sad so if you see this and you know a kid, read them an Ashley Bryan book today
— Natalie is thinking about Yamper and nothing else (@budgetzendaya) February 6, 2022
We lost a #GIANT Ashley Bryan, was 98! Honor his AMAZING #legacy by donating to the Ashley Bryan Center! @ https://t.co/4ARRa2rkOW pic.twitter.com/svqOcYOusu & never, ever forget: “The Night Has Ears”! cc @LaurenGifford @djranco @KushyKush pic.twitter.com/Ry59GtPhRm
— Green Doctor (@GreenHejira) February 6, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of acclaimed artist & author Ashley Bryan. Thank you for entrusting us with telling the stories of #TheDancingGranny and #BeautifulBlackbird & teaching us to find beauty within ourselves & each other. 🖤 https://t.co/hXDLGVUdXT
— Alliance Theatre (@alliancetheatre) February 6, 2022
Nikki Grimes wrote , I managed to get through most of the day without crying. Then Junko Yokota started sharing some of the photos she took when we travelled together to visit Ashley in Maine, and the tears flowed. The day was filled with stories, laughter & love. It was an Ashley Bryan kind of day.
And the Twin Seas Media has this to say . We are saddened by the passing of Ashley Bryan.
In 2017 we had the privilege of leading a distribution campaign for this doc: “I Know a Man…Ashley Bryan” and to enter the world of this extraordinary man – his art, poetry, generosity and incomparable joy.
Just Us Books wrote . “You know with art you’re always beginning.” – Ashley Bryan
Ashley Bryan became an ancestor yesterday, Feb. 4, 2022, at the age of 98. He was a beloved artist, a storyteller, and a light. We extend our love to everyone he touched.
Dr. Sharon Gaston commented on social with the following statements
Ashley Bryan was beautiful & generous. He wrote me a sweet note after I shared with him video & pics of my
@APSTaylor students performing his fabled writings during our 2015 African American Read In. This literary giant will be missed. Rest in Red heart Dear Mr. Bryan
Deborah Furchtgott said, it’s easy, in my mind, to refer to Ashley Bryan’s picture books. The collections of stories and spirituals, the exquisitely coloured poems and subtly powerful voices. And then there’s this one, where I felt he let us into the rooms of his past and the generosity made me cry.
CSMCL Red heart Books wrote on social media.
For those who knew Ashley’s work, we have lost a giant in the field of children’s literature…Brown heartLet’s honor him by posting and reading his books. What is your favorite #AshleyBryan book? Post it here. This is one of ours. Our beloved hero and friend!