• By Margaret Adam
  • Posted Friday, February 17, 2017

Characters of Color Challenge for Teens

Can you name four or more characters of color in comics or graphic novel series? Since the birth of big-name superheroes in the Forties, comics have been slow to feature characters of color. If you agree that people learn from all the stories they see, hear, and read from childhood on, what effects result from diversity or its lack in these popular story formats?

At an hour-long, informal Characters of Color Challenge, teens are invited to play two short games and hear one TED talk to provoke thinking about the effects of ethnic diversity or uniformity among characters in comic books and graphic novels.

The games will be a 20-Question Characters of Color Picture-Based Quiz starting at 4:30 pm followed by a fast-paced What-If Story Scramble.

Around 5 pm, we will break out light refreshments and hear Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's TED talk, "The Danger of a Single Story." Grades 6 and up are able to arrive or leave as their transportation allows.

If you wish, you may bring your favorite comics or graphic novel(s) to show or use for references. Remember that each person is responsible for his or her own belongings, so consider the value of anything you bring as it will be your responsibility throughout the program.

Characters of Color Challenge is free and open to public-schooled or home-schooled teens and to the adults who guide, teach, coach, or care for them.

For more information, contact Southside Youth Services Librarian Margaret Adam or call 336-703-2980. No registration necessary.

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