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Local author Jowan Smith will discuss two of her children's books, "Grandma Hattie's Ice Cream" and "Mya, Mya, Mya." Register online, in person, or by phone at 330.864.5721.
Jowan Smith is the CEO of Getting Our Babies to College 101, creator of 1,000 Ties, an author, and a motivational speaker.
Raised in Cleveland and a graduate of John Hay High School, she has a big heart for the city. While going through the college prep process with her daughter, she noticed the lack of resources available to parents and decided to do something. She started Getting Our Babies to College 101 after winning the education category in the Cleveland Leadership Center Accelerate 2017. Jowan created curriculum to assist families with the post-secondary education process starting in middle school. She facilitates workshops in five local school districts. To date, she has assisted over 2,500 students.
In 2019, Jowan created an event called 1,000 Ties for young men ages 6-21 to teach them skills that she felt were getting lost. The goal is to teach them skills they will have for a lifetime and connect them with men from the community that can become their mentors. She has hosted the event for three years with almost 1,000 participants.
She has been awarded the Future History Maker 2019 Award and the NCNW Trailblazer Award 2019. She was featured in the Soul of Philanthropy Cleveland Celebrate those that give Black 2019 exhibit as an Emerging Philanthropist. In 2020, she was honored as a Drum Major of Change by the Cleveland Public Library and a Phenomenal Woman Award recipient. She was awarded the Unsung Hero Award in 2022 by Cleveland Public Library. Jowan went on to win the Cleveland Leadership Center Accelerate Competition in 2020 for the 1,000 Ties etiquette program. Her nonprofit 1,000 Ties won the Community Service Award in the 2021 Stiletto Boss Awards.
She released her first children's book, "Zakari Goes to College," in August of 2020. Her second book, "Grandma Hattie's Ice Cream," was released in April of 2021, and her new book, "Zakari's Carnival Adventure," was released in March of this year.
AGE GROUP: | Tween | Teen | School Age (Grades K-2) | School Age (Grades 3-5) | Preschool | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Community Event | Books & Writing |
The Maple Valley Branch Library is a key component of a neighborhood that finds a welcoming community gathering place within its walls. Artwork features local artists Debra Calhoun, Melissa Daubert, and the late Miller Horns, and a plaque pays tribute to poet and Maple Valley childhood customer Rita Dove. Rich book, movie, and music collections celebrate, among other genres, the extensive contribution of African-Americans to the arts, literature. In addition, the library is a hub of activity that ranges from computers and computer classes, WiFi, printing, copying, scanning and faxing, to hundreds of programs for all ages on themes as diverse as local history, book discussions, crafting, storytelling, homework help, and more.
Local non-profit groups meet at the Maple Valley Branch Library frequently, and Library staff can be found participating in events at local schools and as participants in community organizations working toward neighborhood success. Maple Valley Branch Library is the one-stop spot for education, creativity, and entertainment to suit all interests.
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