Throughout the month of February, Trident United Way has been highlighting local Black artists on our social media pages in celebration of Black History Month. The theme for 2024 was "African Americans and the Arts", and local artist highlights included African American Leadership Council (AALC) Steering Committee member Janon German and her family's history of crafting Sweetgrass Baskets, owner of Zuriel Kingdom Collections Shaniequa Washington and owner and executive pastry chef of Swank Desserts Danetra Richardson.
We're closing out Black History Month with a Q&A highlight of Sherrika Myers, children's book author and creator of the Lil Herbie anti-bullying mascot. Sherrika is also the founder of the nonprofit Every1Voice Matters and a member of the AALC.
What inspires you?
The driving force behind my passion is the opportunity to contribute to positive change in the lives of black and brown children and those who often feel marginalized because their voices are overlooked. In a world where some still let the color of one's skin, background, or past mistakes shape their narrative, it becomes our collective responsibility to uplift those who might feel silenced. The power to help move the needle for these individuals resonates deeply with me.
How does your culture influence your work?
As an African American Children’s Book Author, my heritage profoundly shapes my perspective. Growing up with a scarcity of books featuring characters who resembled me fueled my determination to create my own book series. I vividly recall yearning to imagine and relate to characters accomplishing great things in stories, yet the representation was lacking. It's crucial for all children to see themselves reflected in educational and positive materials.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) should be instilled from a young age. Early exposure to these concepts can mitigate bullying, foster self-esteem, and cultivate self-belief. Children absorb what they are taught and incorporating D.E.I. into their learning is paramount. My slogan, 'when you can relate, you can create,' encapsulates the essence of my work. My products, initiatives, and programs are inspired by the resources I wished for during my own childhood, enabling me to dream beyond my immediate surroundings.
Not every child is fortunate enough to be surrounded by positivity, so the creation of my Lil Herbie Series serves not only black and brown children but children of all races. It's about ensuring that every child, regardless of background, sees themselves equally represented across various platforms.
How long have you been working on the Lil Herbie Series?
It feels like I've been working on the Lil Herbie Series brand my entire life because it's a project that I have carried within me for years. The series is named after my grandson Lil Herbie, who faced challenges with a speech impediment like my own. Yet, the real Lil Herbie represents the child I once carried inside me, a child with low self-esteem, lacking self-confidence, and afraid to speak, among other struggles. In essence, I've been working on this project throughout my life, just gearing up enough strength and willpower to finally release it.
How does your work impact the community?
I firmly believe that my work has a profound effect on the community not solely measured by successful events, but by the positive transformation in disadvantaged families. Through the Lil Herbie Series, children who face challenges similar to Lil Herbie's have begun to believe in themselves. When I hear children smiling and proudly proclaiming, 'I am Lil Herbie too,' that's what truly excites me. They engage with Lil Herbie books, animated series, and the mascot, creating a connection.
Working in schools and with the youth, witnessing the excitement on their faces, and receiving follow-ups from parents make it all worthwhile. The true victory for me is changing the mindset of both children and parents, helping them believe in themselves, ultimately paving the way for them to achieve greatness.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
I used to say that my greatest accomplishment was stepping out of the box I had been in for years to become the best version of myself, but now, I realize that my truest achievement is the creation of the Lil Herbie Series line. This series comprises products and initiatives designed to empower our community in profound ways.
From the Lil Herbie Book Collection and the Lil Herbie Animated Series to Lil Herbie Tha Mascot, the Lil Herbie Series Coaching Program, Lil Herbie Series School Assemblies, and the recent addition of Lil Herbie’s Affirmation Doll, these offerings aim to empower Black and Brown families and provide diverse perspectives for all families. Establishing my own brand that has a meaningful impact on the community, shaping how children perceive themselves and others, is a monumental accomplishment.
I've transformed doubt into a brand that reaches the entire family holistically, a journey that feels especially significant given my humble beginnings. From a little brown girl raised by a single parent, struggling with a severe speech impediment, becoming a teenage mom and then a single teenage mom, due to gun violence on my family, I've faced it all. Yet, I've turned these challenges into steppingstones, creating a brand that transcends pass my living room to empower at-risk youth globally. Seeing Lil Herbie featured in articles and on TV, not just in our city but around the world, with international recognition for his books, brings a deep sense of pride. This journey from adversity to empowerment is my greatest accomplishment, proving that all things are possible when we don't allow others' opinions to determine our potential. It's a testament that there's a whole world out there, waiting for us to make a positive impact.
Anything else you would like to share?
I am married to Robert Myers with children and grandchildren whom I adore and a dog name King.
Photos courtesy of Sherrika Myers.