Alice Faye Duncan: A Memphis Writer for Young Readers
Alice Faye Duncan: A Memphis Writer for Young Readers
Being a child of two educators, it only made sense that children’s picture book author and activist Alice Faye Duncan would become a writer who teaches as well as entertains with her writing. While she didn’t follow in their footsteps and become a teacher, she DID see the gaps in the education system when it comes to history, thus beginning her journey as a writer.
By day she’s a librarian for Shelby County Schools (a position she has held for almost 30 years), but she’s also equally passionate about writing for the youth and teaching them about historical moments that have impacted our world but may have been forgotten. Her hope is that children reading her books will gain courage and realize that their dreams can come true, regardless of what their circumstances may be.
Two New Black History Books For Young Readers
Duncan has written eight books, and in January she published two new children’s books, EVICTED--THE STRUGGLE FOR THE RIGHT TO VOTE and OPAL LEE AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE FREE.
EVICTED tells the little-known story of the Fayette County Tent City Movement in the early 1960s. Set just a few miles from Memphis, it explores the struggles Black sharecroppers faced when trying to register to vote. The grassroots movement is captured through Duncan’s words and illustrations by artist Charly Palmer in a way that’s appropriate for middle schoolers.
Opal Lee is targeted at a younger audience, and explores inspiring efforts and true story of Opal Lee aka the “Grandmother of Juneteenth, including a timeline of the holiday’s history, a recipe for a Juneteenth celebration, and illustrations by New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo
I recently met up with Alice at one of her favorite local bookstores, South Main Book Juggler, to chat and learn a bit more about her and her journey to becoming a writer.
Interview With Memphis Children's Book Author Alice Faye Duncan
Kim: Can you tell us a little about the creative process you had for EVICTED--THE STRUGGLE FOR THE RIGHT TO VOTE and OPAL LEE AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE FREE?
Alice: I traveled to Fayette County and interviewed farmers from the Tent City Voting Rights Movement in order to write EVICTED. I spoke with activists like Mary Williams and James Jamerson, Jr. Their family photo albums moved me to write the story from the perspective of James Junior, a child at that time, who witnessed the voting rights struggle.
In order to write OPAL LEE AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE FREE, I interviewed Miss Opal on the phone and we have spoken via Zoom. For both books, I relied on old newspapers to inform my understanding of segregation during the mid 20th Century.
Above: Alice with South Main Book Juggler owner, Jean Williams Andrus. You can find Alice's books at local bookstores including South Main Book Juggler at 548 S. Main St. near The Arcade.
Kim: How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Alice: I wrote my first book for a major New York publisher when I was 24 years old. I was young and did not respect the power of revision because I was impatient with the creative process. As I move toward 60 years old, I have a new motto: "Slowly is the only way to arrive anywhere, fast." Good writing takes time. It took 20 years for me to learn that lesson.
Kim: What do you find to be the best part of writing?
Alice: Writing well is something that I can achieve alone. I don't need a consensus to write. However, I do need and desire children and adults to read my books. What good is writing without an eager audience? To this end, I have started what I call the "GO-GO Movement."
When you "G-et O-ne" book, please "G-ive O-ne" book away. With book banning on the rise, I find it necessary for adults to donate my books to children in the neighborhood, children in their local church and indigent children with limited home libraries. Think about it. Books are the gifts that keep on giving. Books give rise to critical thinkers. Ignorant people ban books about history. Ignorance is not a good look.
Kim: Is there one age group you most enjoy as readers? If so, why?
Alice: I love writing picture books. Specifically, OPAL LEE AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE FREE is for ages Prek - 3rd Grade.
EVICTED--THE STRUGGLE FOR THE RIGHT TO VOTE is for middle school and high school students. According to my mother, "EVICTED is for grown folks."
Kim: Many writers describe themselves as “character” or “plot” writers. Which are you?
Every book arrives to me on the wings of inspiration. I visit museums, view documentaries and listen for the dead. The dead insinuate themselves in my imagination. They want to be remembered.
Alice, cont'd: Recently, I was writing about Paul Robeson. Then the conflict in Russia happened. I told Paul to hush his talk for the present time. Nobody will understand his point of view right now. Maybe later, I will revisit his life story. Right now, I am praying for World Peace. Help. Lord.
Keeping Balance As A Writer And Businessperson
Kim: How do you handle the balance between the creative and business ends of things?
Alice: Having a literary agent allows me to dedicate leisure time to writing because I work full time as a teacher. And so my mind can stay clear for creative things like writing a poem, my agent also leads the hard conversations about contracts, royalties, and rights. Teaching school is ideal for a writer: you have weekends free and there are long breaks to write for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Summer.
Kim: Any advice for aspiring children's book authors?
Alice: I have organized a free writing workshop for creatives aspiring to write picture books. The workshop will happen virtually on June 18th. Writers can sign up at www.aesopwriters.com
Kim: Do you have any upcoming events we need to let our audience know about?
Alice: Mark your calendar for September 2022. My new book will be YELLOW DOG BLUES. It is a blues fable that will introduce children and adults to the Mississippi Delta Blues. Caldecott artist Chris Raschka is the illustrator.
Kim: How can readers keep up with you?
Alice: Readers can always find more Alice Faye Duncan books at my website www.alicefayeduncan.com. Thank you for this opportunity to share my books with others.
Keep up with Alice and her Memphis and Black history children's books
Alice has one of the most vibrant, infectious personalities that I have ever met, and it was such a joy to talk to her! In the event she does a book signing or reading, attending is a must! — Kim
About the Author
Stuart Mitchell
Ms. Duncan
I was introduced to you by my friend Daphene McFerrin. In 1965 I was in a group of Cornell students who were involved in assisting sharecroppers and others register to vote and organize protests against segregated school systems, private businesses and public facilities. I have purchased several copies of your beautifully written and illustrated "Evicted!"
I also have a copy of Opal Lee "The True Story of Grandmother of Juneteenth" I would like to explore the possibility of purchasing a quantity of 150 books for a Juneteenth celebration we are holding in Rochester New York on June 17. We would like to use the books as part of a fundraiser we are organizing.
Please direct me to someone with whom I could discuss this project in more detail.
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