"Those who've shaped the world we're in,
the past, and, yes, the now,
they too lived little Black lives, my child,
before they made us so proud.
Let us look upon them
and let us say their names,
And let us hear the mighty words
they spoke to bring us change.
…
there are countless more Black heroes; this is just to name a few.
But don't forget the greatest life you can lead belongs to you.
So go on and live your own little life.
Yes, live it brave and free!
And know, this child: you matter here,
and most of all...to me."
KHODI DILL is a husband, father, writer, anti-racist educator, public speaker, and spoken word artist. His writing for adults and children explores life, politics, and identity through a critical social justice lens. With a background in hip hop and spoken word poetry, it’s not surprising that his picture book, Welcome to the Cypher (Annick Press; October 2021), illustrated by Awuradwoa Afful, is an introduction to rapping for young kids. Little Black Lives Matter is his debut board book. Dill lives with his family in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.