February is not just any month; it’s Black History Month, and in 2026, it marks a significant milestone of 100 years of celebrating Black history. To commemorate this, we’re shining a light on the achievements of inspiring figures like Dr. JaNay Brown-Wood, a Sacramento-area author who’s published over 30 children’s books. Her mission? To help young readers see themselves in the stories they explore.
Dr. Brown-Wood’s latest book,“This Hair Belongs,”is a heartfelt tribute to Black hair and history, stemming from her own childhood experiences. She recalls hating reading as a child simply because she couldn’t find relatable characters or stories that mirrored her life. Fast forward to today, and she’s channeling that passion into crafting narratives that offer empowerment and identity to kids everywhere.
Through her writings, Dr. Brown-Wood emphasizes the importance of literacy—especially for Black and Brown children—stressing that access to representative literature can drastically change a child’s educational trajectory. She also encourages families to create reading habits, suggesting bedtime stories to solidify important brain connections for literacy. Despite facing challenges, including one of her books being targeted for banning, she remains undeterred in her mission. With plans to expand her stories into television, it’s clear that Dr. JaNay Brown-Wood is committed to building Black history, one engaging tale at a time.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
