Best-Selling Author Lavaille Lavette Spotlights Juneteenth in a New Children’s Book – Louisiana Tour
New York, NY (April 28, 2022) – New York Times Best-Selling editor, author, publisher Lavaille Lavette will be recognized on the floors of the House and Senate today. Lavette is a native of Opelousas, Louisiana.
The author’s greatest joy is telling stories about people, places, things, and events that should not be forgotten. Her latest book, “Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise” is a beautifully illustrated Little Golden Book about one young boy’s first experience celebrating Juneteenth. The book teaches young readers about Juneteenth, a national holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S.
“I wrote this book in a way in which “I imagine that I might have learned about Juneteenth for the first time growing up in Louisiana. It is important to keep the story of Juneteenth alive because it helps us to remember, The Past We Carry, while improving The Present We Live, as we build The Future we Seek,” said Lavaille Lavette.
Lavaille was inspired to write this book after having a conversation with her mother during the beginning months of the pandemic. “My mom told me that she grew up celebrating Juneteenth. Juneteenth was a big deal, doing her childhood, with fanfare that included zydeco music, two-step dancing, all types of food and treats and fellowship with friends and family. The tradition was spearheaded by my mother’s father and when he died the tradition ended,” Lavaille said.
“I must admit that during my childhood we did not talk about Juneteenth. I knew very little about it growing up.” Lavaille added, it wasn’t until she moved to Houston as an adult that she was really introduced to the Juneteenth celebrations and traditions as an elementary school teacher. In Texas, Juneteenth was celebrated in schools, churches, by elected officials and many African American entrepreneurs honored the day by closing their business establishments for the day. “Now that was something special,” Lavaille recalls, and she wanted to pay tribute by writing “Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise.”
A portion of the proceeds from Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise sales go directly to The National Urban League’s youth programs. An avid supporter of the National Urban League and its mission, Lavaille wants to help the Urban League continue to inspire young minds and create lasting change.
A free “Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise” Teacher’s Resource Guide and Parent Guide to enhance the educational experience are available at Jayylen.com. While there, you can place an early bird order for Jayylen’s Christmas Wish, next in the Golden Children’s Book collection from Lavaille Lavette.
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Who: Senate and House to Recognize Best Selling Author, Lavaille Lavette
What: Educating both young and old about Juneteenth celebrations and culture/traditions
When: Today at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. 5/11/23
Where: Baton Rouge State Capital
How: Presenting a Resolution as this book celebrates Future Engineers (advocating for access to STEM careers)
Mission Possible: The much anticipated “Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise” Little Golden Book by Lavaille Lavette in stores NOW
Additional Appearances by Lavaille Lavette
1. Thursday, May 11: 4pm – 5pm Barnes & Nobel, 2590 Citi Court, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
2. Friday May, 12th: 9am – 10am School Visit. Washington Elementary, 1530 La-10, Opelousas, LA 70570
3. Friday May 12th: 12:00pm – 12:30pm , St. Landry Charter School, 103 Burr St., Opelousas, La 7057-
4. Friday May 12th: 4pm – 6pm , Opelousas Public Library, 212 E. Grolee St. Opelousas, LA 70570
5. Saturday May 13th: 11am – 1pm, Barnes & Nobel , 5705 Johnson St. Lafayette, LA
