Triangle-based artist wins Coretta Scott King Award for children's book about history of slavery

Dare Coulter won the prestigious award for her illustrations in Kwame Alexander’s "An American Story." The 30-year-old is one of the youngest artists to receive this distinction.

Listed on the New York Times Book Review’s "Best Children’s Books of 2023," the book deals with the topic of slavery. Coulter wanted her illustrations to highlight the hope in the darkness of slavery and remind the reader of the resiliency of enslaved Americans.

"Coulter masterfully uses mixed-media, illustrations and clay figures, to differentiate for the reader the story of slavery and present-day reactions of the kids who are learning about this history from their teacher in the narrative. Coulter’s illustrations beautifully yet authentically tell the American story of Black people that although tragic, is a story of triumph," said Coretta Scott King Book Awards Jury Chair LaKeshia Darden.

Coulter's most recent works include a 200-foot mural in Greensboro honoring oft-unmentioned Black cowboys. She was also commissioned to create a portrait of Nina Simone, which was used to raise funds to restore the famed singer’s childhood home in North Carolina.

Coulter graduated from NC State but said she considers herself a graduate of Meredith College’s art program, as well.