Interview with Author and Publisher of Virtue Today Magazine, Dr. Audrey Muhammad
Photo Credit: Dr. Audrey Muhammad
In my interview with author, and Publisher of Virtue Today Magazine, Dr. Audrey Muhammad, she shared with me the story behind her children's book Rhymes of the Times: Black Nursery Rhymes.
Nadine Muhammad: Please, would you tell our readers about yourself?
Dr. Audrey Muhammad: Sure! When I was in first grade, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I started off teaching 4–6 year-olds in Sunday School. I remember being frustrated because the only time I could get them to be quiet was when I gave them an animal cookie. I told my mother I didn’t want to teach elementary school, but instead to teach high school. I was a high school teacher for 9 years and then started teaching writing at the university level. I have been at the university level as an academic advisor and instructor for more than 12 years. I recently graduated with my doctoral degree in education. I am proud to say I am now Dr. Audrey Muhammad. In summary, I am a writer, educator, fitness instructor, inspirational speaker, and the founder of “Mothers of Civilization Day,” a new national holiday to celebrate the original woman. I believe we are the embodiment of beauty, class and intelligence, but we need to show and highlight more examples of that. Your platform, Sis. Nadine, is a wonderful way to showcase our excellence.
Nadine Muhammad: What is your motivation for writing your book?
Dr. Audrey Muhammad: My motivation for writing Rhymes of the Times: Black Nursery Rhymes was to highlight Black historical figures and instill pride in young people. Growing up, I didn’t feel good about my hair, and I didn’t want my future daughter to feel the same way, so I wrote my first nursery rhyme, “Pretty Little Black Girl.” We have all grown up reciting “Mary had a Little Lamb,” but what did that teach us? What if we had grown up reading “Martin Had a Little Dream?” I think we would have been more motivated to reach and learn about our history if it was naturally taught to us in a fun and inspirational way such as through rhymes. My daughter was blessed to grow up reading my rhymes about her people and people can see the difference in self-pride it gave her.
Nadine Muhammad: Would you tell us what your book is about?
Dr. Audrey Muhammad: My book, Rhymes of the Times: Black Nursery Rhymes features historical figures like Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, and The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. I felt it was important to include such powerful figures that our children do not usually learn about. My book gives children an easy way to learn about Black historical figures. My publication, Virtue Today Magazine, puts the teachings in a “pretty package.” It uplifts men and women with positive images and gives wonderful insight on health, business, and fashion. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan told me it [the magazine] is a “powerful tool to uplift women.” I hope to continue using this powerful tool.
Nadine Muhammad: What are the benefits that readers will obtain from reading your book, and how will their lives be transformed?
Dr. Audrey Muhammad: Our children want to see themselves and people who look like them in the books they read. Studies have proven that culturally relevant material benefit students greatly. Culturally responsive teaching leads to higher self-esteem and interest in learning because it connects the culture, language, and experience of children to their learning experience. Think of the difference it makes to read a story or math problems using names from your culture like “Malik and Ayanna.” Parents and children will greatly benefit from this book because when students feel better about themselves, they behave better and are more focused. When they are more focused, they learn more and can apply themselves. This book will give them an opportunity to do both. I plan to teach a course on how to use your writing talent to develop and brand a book or magazine. Anyone can take the course. If you are interested, sign up to be on my list at www.virtuetodaymag.com
Dr. Audrey Muhammad: Thank you, Sis. Nadine, for your support & love of books and learning. May God continue to bless your platform.
Nadine Muhammad: You are welcome Sis. Dr. Audrey, and thank you for your support and taking time out of your schedule for this interview article. I am sure our readers will be inspired by the story behind your children's book.
To build your children's home library with a copy of Dr. Audrey Muhammad's children's book, Rhymes of the Times: Black Nursery Rhymes use the following link: https://nationsproducts.com/products/rhymes-of-the-times-black-nursery-rhymes-black-nursery-rhymes?_pos=2&_sid=e6961da99&_ss=r
To get a copy of her publication, Virtue Today Magazine, use the following link: https://nationsproducts.com/products/our-legacy-lives-19th-anniversary-edition?_pos=1&_sid=e6961da99&_ss=r
