WEATHERFORD, Carole Boston. Freedom in Congo Square. Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. [NY] Little Bee Books [2016]. 4to, [40]pp. Color pictorial boards. Color pictorial endpapers; color illustrations on every spread. A fine copy in original color pictorial dust jacket (no medal affixed). Signed by the artist, R. Gregory Christie, and with a bookplate signed by the author, Newbery honor author Carole Boston Weatherford, laid in.

 

First edition. 2017 Caldecott Honor Book! As Black slaves relentlessly toiled in 19th century Louisiana, they all counted down the days until Sunday, when at least for half a day they were briefly able to congregate in Congo Square in New Orleans and celebrate their time together. A poetic expression of how even in the worst of situations, people can find joy through self-expression and community.