From AfroBets to Spirituals: A Lifetime of Making Books That Matter Cheryl Willis Hudson on Just Us Books, Representation, and Freedom to Read

From AfroBets to We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices to a brand-new picture book that sings with history, legendary author and publisher Cheryl Willis Hudson has helped shape what children can see (and become) through books. If you care about diverse children’s books, freedom to read, and the cultural power of music, this episode is for you.

Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor welcomes Cheryl Willis Hudson, co-founder of the groundbreaking children’s publishing house Just Us Books. Cheryl shares why she and husband Wade Hudson created Just Us Books, and what it’s meant to write and publish stories that serve as windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors for children.

Cheryl reflects on growing up in the Jim Crow South and how the lack of accurate representation in children’s literature shaped her mission to publish books that affirm Black childhood, celebrate multicultural experiences, and expand the canon of children’s books. The conversation also addresses book bans and censorship, including how books are challenged by small groups who often haven’t read the full text -- and why that’s an urgent threat to freedom of expression and access to stories.

In a moving highlight, Cheryl introduces her “dream book,” When I Hear Spirituals, and shares how spirituals carry history, resilience, and joy while shaping American music itself. She even sings a portion of “Over My Head,” offering listeners a moment that feels like story, song, and legacy braided together.

Chapters:

01:00 Cheryl Willis Hudson + Just Us Books origin story

08:08 Growing up in Jim Crow South + why representation matters

13:49 Book challenges, lists, and censorship ripple effects

20:01 Reading from We Rise, We Resist…

30:13 When I Hear Spirituals + history of spirituals

🔗 Links & Resources 

• Dr. Diane's 365 Day Picture Book Read Aloud Calendar
• Follow Cheryl Willis Hudson on her website, Instagram, LinkedIn
• Rudine Sims Bishop: “Windows, Mirrors, Sliding Glass Doors” 
• Freedom to Read / Anti-censorship resources: EveryLibrary, PenAmerica, We Need Diverse Books, Committee for the First Amendment