A notable Black History Month celebration honored Judson Press author the Rev. Dr. Tokunboh Adelekan for African Wisdom: 101 Proverbs from the Motherland.

This recognition came from the Philadelphia City Council to commend authors chosen by the African American Children’s Book Project. Council-at-large member Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown made the resolution for a third consecutive year, both to recognize the authors and to support the Book Project’s annual book fair held in February, Black History Month. Along with Adelekan, Dr. Angelia Nelson was honored for her book directed at young teen girls.

Adelekan received the honor at the Feb. 2 council meeting with a proverb he learned from his Nigerian father: “People are the clothes you wear” to express his appreciation for support from many who were involved in making the book and its readership possible. He said the council’s decision to give the recognition is an indication not only of the gains of African Americans but also of the cosmopolitanism of Philadelphia: “We are the beloved community,” of which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed.

“The current situation of violence in Philadelphia guided the decision to feature authors this year whose appeal is to older youth, rather than authors for younger children, as in previous years,” said founder and book project director, Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati. “Youth need books that empower, enlighten and enrich, so they have the tools to make positive lifestyle choices and get ahead,” Lloyd-Sgambati added. She feels that African Wisdom is an important book because people can share it with their families: “It connects children to their ancestors.”

Adelekan is pastor of Mt. Olivet Tabernacle Baptist Church and also assistant professor of theology and ethnics at Palmer Theological Seminary. A dozen of his church members filled a church van and attended the council meeting. Church member Vikki Leach called Adelekan “an outstanding teacher and pastor.” Another member, Leonard Richardson, said, “The whole aspect of his being a pastor and teacher is great. The book is wonderful.”

Adelekan had an opportunity at the book fair the following Saturday to encourage children in regular reading habits, and he performed a rap song about how God smiles on them, while frowning on conditions that could blight their lives. “I want them to know that they can have strong, focused faith by taking what the elders taught and bringing it to a new level,” he said.