Many African Americans use Lulu to celebrate their culture through a variety of forms such as art, personal accounts, cookbooks, poetry, music and more. Here are just a few examples of popular Lulu creations made by African American authors:

• LeSean Thomas created a compilation of his animated artwork highlighting hip-hop-inspired characters that has been featured on “The Boondocks” on Cartoon Network (http://books.lulu.com/content/189605). Daytime Award Winning Producer Jeff Matsuda recognizes Thomas’ work as some of the most dynamic, unique and prolific hip-hop driven visions of today.

• The Soumas Heritage Creole Cookbook (http://www.lulu.com/content/60871) by Panderina Soumas offers a how-to for a number of tantalizing treats that have been passed down through generations of Creole cooks. With recipes like “African Rhythm Drumettes” and “Who-Do-You-Wanna-Voodoo-Dip,” the Soumas Heritage Creole Cookbook celebrates culture through the sharing of delicious family dishes.

• Another publication, The Hip-Hop Education Guidebook (http://www.lulu.com/content/656880) by Marcella Runell and Martha Diaz provides advice on how to harness the enthusiasm and energy found in hip-hop music and introduce it to the classroom. Calling for innovation in schools and engaging teaching styles to ensure the success of all American students, this guidebook has been used in numerous schools throughout New York.

There are many more cultural creations that can be found by simply browsing the Lulu marketplace (http://www.lulu.com/en/browse/).

One final way that I would like to encourage you to commemorate Black History Month is to write your own chapter of history. Lulu has all the tools you need to share your story with others and add to your already-rich traditions. Use this month to create a living history of your own experiences while paying tribute to great African American leaders of the past and present.

Shannon Connell