Dr. Veronica Appleton is a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) expert. She is also the self-published author of two books – “Journey to Appleville” and “Tu-Tu Goes to School.” Both books center on topics like children’s education and self-agency.
Appleton’s latest project is “Mama Why.” It is about a young man named Malcolm, who becomes an advocate for change after two of his friends become fatal victims of gun violence.
Appleton hopes her books equip children with vital tools for life. She also aims to promote the acceptance of different cultures and people to kids. Furthermore, Appleton wants to propagate a love of reading amongst children with her books.
“My passion for diversity, and inclusion, and a strong addendum on equity is from seeing inequities in my own career, and wanting to create a solution, and create some sense of change,” said Appleton.
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“It inspired me to write more about certain topics related to children,” continued Appleton, “and how they can be more champions in their own communities.”
Appleton said her “call to action” is to show diverse and inclusive characters in her books, so children can see more representation in these works at home and school. “That’s where my targeted impact is,” she said.
Appleton believes her work, and the work of others like her, can broaden a child’s worldview of what they see. She said every child is born with a level of curiosity, and that most of them understand some of the more complex topics of the books.
“When we say gun violence, when we say cyber-bullying, when we say bullying in school – when we say how are you feeling emotionally, how are you feeling physically, and socially – children are aware,” said Appleton.
“If a child being equipped with the books and with the curriculum to help in creating more knowledge — more awareness, and just more overall acceptance of differences – I think that’s the overall piece from children who are not getting it [DEI information],” said Appleton.
Appleton said this is especially true in states where diversity curriculums and tools are being removed from schools due to laws in those states.
“Many of us who are 30-plus years old – we talk about our ancestors often, that we are our ancestors’ wildest dreams,” said Appleton. “Well, why not pour that back into the children that we see growing up today in the preteens and the teens?”
Appleton continued, “They still are their ancestors’ wildest dreams because they get to accomplish their goals, they get to accomplish their dreams – they get to read without anyone telling them that they can’t. They get to write without anyone telling them that they can’t.”
For more information on Dr. Veronica Appleton’s book “Mama Why,” visit www.mamawhy.com.
