Inventing an African Alphabet


Book Description

In 1978, Congolese inventor David Wabeladio Payi (1958–2013) proposed a new writing system, called Mandombe. Since then, Mandombe has grown and now has thousands of learners in not only the Democratic Republic of Congo, but also France, Angola and many other countries. Drawing upon Ramon Sarró's personal friendship with Wabeladio, this book tells the story of Wabeladio, his alphabet and the creativity that both continue to inspire. A member of the Kimbanguist church, which began as an anticolonial movement in 1921, Wabeladio and his script were deeply influenced by spirituality and Kongo culture. Combining biography, art, and religion, Sarró explores a range of ideas, from the role of pilgrimage and landscape in Wabeladio's life, to the intricacies and logic of Mandombe. Sarró situates the creative individual within a rich context of anthropological, historical and philosophical scholarship, offering a new perspective on the relationships between imagination, innovation and revelation.




Inventing an African Alphabet


Book Description

Combines biography, art, and religion to explore Kongo identity and culture, and the relationship between innovation and revelation.




The ABC's of African American Inventions


Book Description

During the month of February we celebrate the accomplishments of people of color during Black History Month, a tradition started by Dr. Carter Woodson in 1926. Yet while some are content to set aside only one month out of the year to recognize these accomplishments, perhaps they're unaware of how different the world would be if not for the contributions of African Americans to our everyday way of life. The subject matter of this book is meant to help younger children learn the alphabet and stir their creativity, while at the same time offering a glimpse to the older readers, of the African American influence to our collective history. To be clear, the Inventors and Inventions featured in this book are in no way a complete compilation of the contributions made by people of color, but they're merely representative of some of their innovative ideas and creative devices. It is my hope that this simple book will reveal a sense of belonging that some people of color may not realize is rightfully theirs, while at the same time inspiring every reader to search their mind for the next great invention that could change our lives and perhaps even the world. History has shown us that rather than large corporations, it's often the common man or woman who first recognizes the need for something new or innovative. So take the time to look around you, and you just may discover that the ideas for change are as abundant as the needs that inspire them.




An African Alphabet


Book Description

This is an unusual and handsome book - a collection of the twenty six letters of the alphabet, each representing a word, all the words together telling the story of the time and times of Africa. It is about the beauty of the great valleys, the flora and fauna, and the wildlife. It celebrates the ubuntu of the people, the diversity of the heritage, art and culture, and asserts Africa as the mother of a culture of literacy. The images are created by four linked alphabets: two contrasting picture alphabets, a word alphabet and an alphabet of letters influenced by African design.




Afrikan Alphabets


Book Description

Through text and illustrations, describes more than twenty African symbol systems and alphabets used on the continent and in the Diaspora.




African American Inventors and Their Inventions A-Z


Book Description

Did you know that African Americans invented the mop, lawn mower, clock, gas mask, and more? In this fun children's book, the author takes the reader on an alphabet journey while playfully introducing the inventions of African Americans.




The South African Alphabet


Book Description




The Crayon Man


Book Description

Celebrating the inventor of the Crayola crayon This gloriously illustrated picture book biography tells the inspiring story of Edwin Binney, the inventor of one of the world's most beloved toys. A perfect fit among favorites like The Day the Crayons Quit and Balloons Over Broadway. purple mountains' majesty, mauvelous, jungle green, razzmatazz... What child doesn't love to hold a crayon in their hands? But children didn't always have such magical boxes of crayons. Before Edwin Binney set out to change things, children couldn't really even draw in color. Here's the true story of an inventor who so loved nature's vibrant colors that he found a way to bring the outside world to children - in a bright green box for only a nickel With experimentation, and a special knack for listening, Edwin Binney and his dynamic team at Crayola created one of the world's most enduring, best-loved childhood toys - empowering children to dream in COLOR







From Aardvark to Zuma


Book Description

Identifies each letter of the alphabet with a corresponding plant, animal, character, or location representing South Africa, from the aardvark to Johannesburg and the Xhosa tribe.