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Recently, Sixers Community Relations Manager Julani Ghana sat down with Sixers power forward Derrick Coleman for a short discussion on the celebration of Black History Month and the importance of reading books written by African-American authors.

DERRICK COLEMAN'S RECOMMENDED CHILDREN'S BOOKS
Super Fine Valentine by Bill Cosby Young Martin Luther King Jr. by Joanne Mattern	Just The Two Of Us by Will Smith Designed By God So I Must Be Special by Bonnie Sose

Sixers.com: Why is Black History Month so important?

Derrick Coleman: I think it is important because it is a celebration for African- Americans. It celebrates our diversity and achievements all over the world.

Sixers.com: What were some of the stories about Black History that were taught to you as a child growing up?

DC: I remember the stories that were told to me from my grandmother about growing up in Butler, Alabama. They were stories of them being sharecroppers and picking up cotton and how they wanted a brighter future for our family.

Sixers.com: Who were some of your role models?

DC: My family members served as my role models. I read about and admired some of the people in the history books but my mother and grandmother, aunts and uncles were my real role models.

Sixers.com: Why is the African-American experience so interesting and important?

DC: It is interesting because of the way in which it is often told. There are so many lessons and achievements that we have made. Had it not been for many of our achievements, many people today would not be doing the things that they take for granted today. Our struggles and triumphs have perhaps been the longest in this nation’s history and maybe the world. It is important, especially while growing up that we learn as much of this as possible.

Sixers.com: You are a great reader of African-American literature. Do you have some favorite authors?

DC: I really don’t have any favorite authors. I read everything and from everybody that writes about the experiences of Black people in the world. I read them all because I want to learn. I read everything possible. I think people who want to learn about the experiences of Black people and their impact on the world should definitely read books written by or about African Americans.

Sixers.com: What advice would you give to parents, teachers, or mentors about the importance of Black History?

DC: I would encourage them to start teaching the kids at a young age. You know it is unfortunate that Black History is not a requirement in all schools. So if you teach them at a young age, they can learn more.

Sixers.com: Is there anything special that you personally plan for Black History Month?

DC: No. I really don’t plan anything special. For me, everyday and every month is Black History Month. I celebrate the achievements of African-Americans regularly. Even though we pay particular attention during February, which is the shortest month of the year, I am always looking to learn about the challenges and triumphs of Black people from all over the world. One of the ways that I do this daily is by reading books on Black History.