The Children’s Museum of Manhattan will host all-time NBA scoring leader, author and historian, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on Wednesday, February 8 at 4:00-5:00pm. Abdul-Jabbar will read and discuss his new book, What Color Is My World? The Lost History of African American Inventors, published by Candlewick Press. In the book, Abdul-Jabbar pays tribute to inventors whose curiosity, ingenuity andperseverance made our world safer, better and brighter.
What Color Is My World? illustrates how African-Americans invented many every-day objects. Abdul-Jabbar profiles unsung inventors and innovators, such as those behind not only open-heart surgery and microphone technology, but also the ice cream scoop and the “Super Soaker.”
“I want kids to get excited about science and engineering and understand that being an inventor is just as cool as becoming a pro athlete,” said Abdul-Jabbar. I also hope young readers will gain a better understanding of the extent African-Americans have done to significantly contribute to American life and culture.”
“We’re honored to have Kareem join us as part of our programming for Black History Month. Not only is he one of the greatest athletes of our time, but his passion for history ties in perfectly with our work atCMOM,” said the museum’s executive director, Andrew Ackerman. “Kareem’s use of storytelling brings history to life and shows how it is relevant to kids’ own lives. The CMOM community is in for a real treat.”
In mid-January, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton named Abdul-Jabbar a U.S. Cultural Ambassador. In this role, he will meet with young people around the world, promoting education, social and racial tolerance and cultural understanding.
In addition to his illustrious basketball career, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the author of 7 books, including the New York Times best-seller,On the Shoulders of Giants: My Journey Through the Harlem Renaissance. His accompanying documentary premieres on Showtime on Thursday, February 9 at 8:30pm EST.
The event is part CMOM’s Meet the Author series as well as the Museum’s ongoing celebration of Black History Month. On Sunday, February 12, CMOM hosts Negro Baseball League legend, RoBert Scott, who will discuss his career as a pitcher for the New York Black Yankees, Memphis Red Sox and the famed Jackie Robinson All-Stars.
About Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Founded in 1973, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is New York City’s leading cultural institution dedicated solely to children and families. CMOM inspires children and their families to learn about themselves and a culturally diverse world through unique interactive exhibitions. CMOM presents a full range of activities, exhibits and special performances that stimulate children of all ages. Through multidimensional programs that reach deep into the community, the Museum serves New Yorkers from all backgrounds. For details on all of CMOM’s programs, please visit www.cmom.org.
