Rapper, artist, and activist Genesis Be adds children’s book author to her list of accomplishments
Biloxi, Mississippi native and multi-disciplinary artist, Genesis Be, will be holding her first book signing this Saturday, February 19th from 1pm to 3pm at Wow Book and Toy Store, located at 1520 29th Ave, Suite 3, Gulfport, MS 39501.
Tonisha Kimble, owner of WoW Book and Toy Store, says “It’s wonderful as a Black businesswoman in Mississippi to be working with another Black creative from Mississippi about something we’re both passionate about which is children and also children’s literacy.”
WoW Book and Toy Store is a mother and son duo that operates the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s only multicultural children’s book store. They opened their doors in Gulfport, MS in July of 2021, but have been in business online for several years now. Wow Book and Toy Store offers merchandise that serves to engage young minds and provide a solid foundation for growth.
“My Apple Orchard” is Genesis Be’s first children’s book and was published in early 2021. The story follows Be’s journey from a little girl who plants three apple seeds and leaves her home in Mississippi only to return to find a beautiful orchard has grown from her efforts. The book opens with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree [today].”
Genesis Be is best known for her national advocacy to change the MS state flag and her organization Strive Till I Rise which focuses on empowering youth through art. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, VICE and more. She recently relocated back to the coast in order to collaborate more closely with organizations, artists and
entrepreneurs. Be states “I hope to use my platform to expose and amplify the beautiful parts of Mississippi that our Nation doesn’t get a chance to see. There’s so much talent, innovation and good people doing good things. The world can learn a lot from Mississippi”
Tonisha Kimble agrees and says “We’re excited to be working with Genesis Be to help her present her debut children’s book to the Gulf Coast because she’s exactly the kind of voice we should be listening to as we go into this new year and are thinking about the future, particularly the future of the youth of Mississippi.”
For more information:
Wow Book and Toy Store
1520 29th Ave, Suite 3
Gulfport MS 39501
wowbookandtoy.com
info@wowbookandtoy.com
@wowbookandtoy @GenesisBe on all social media
