Nikkolas Smith

BIO

NIKKOLAS SMITH is an Artivist, children’s book author, and Hollywood film illustrator. He is the author/illustrator of the picture book The Artivist, the NAACP Image Award nominated The Golden Girls of Rio, and My Hair Is Poofy And That’s Okay. He is also the illustrator for the number one New York Times Bestselllers The 1619 Project: Born on the Water written by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renee Watson. His other project include, I Am Ruby Bridges, vll and That Flag. As an illustrator of color, Nikkolas is focused on creating captivating art that can spark important conversations in today’s world and inspire meaningful change. Many of his viral and globally published sketches are included in his book Sunday Sketch: The Art of Nikkolas. Born in Houston, Texas, Nikkolas lives in Los Angeles, California.

THE HISTORY OF WE

An awe-inspiring picture book about the origin and advancement of humans, from author and number one New York Times bestselling illustrator Nikkolas Smith.

Fossil records show that the first humans were born in Africa. Meaning, every person on Earth can trace their ancestry back to that continent. The History of We celebrates our shared ancestors’ ingenuity and achievements and imagines what these firsts would have looked and felt like. What was it like for the first person to paint, to make music, to dance, to discover medicine, to travel to unknown lands? It required courage, curiosity, and skill. The History of We takes what we know about modern human civilization and, through magnificent paintings, creates a tale about our shared beginnings in a way that centers Black people in humankind’s origin story.

A CHANGE IS GONNA COME

Sam Cooke’s legendary and beloved civil rights anthem is brought to life for the first time with stunning illustrations by Nikkolas Smith.

The immortal lyrics of Sam Cooke’s inspiring civil rights anthem are among the most powerful in music history. Written as an ode to the struggles and joy of Black Americans living under the oppression of Jim Crow, A Change Is Gonna Come became a rallying cry for justice and equality when it was shared in 1964. Now, more than sixty years later, the fight for freedom continues, and these sweeping lyrics remain as important and soul stirring as ever.

Alongside Sam Cooke’s inspiring words, Nikkolas Smith’s breathtaking art guides young readers through pivotal moments in American history. The award-winning illustrator of The 1619 Project: Born on the Water, powerfully references civil rights milestones and Black freedom fighters, empowering all of us to continue the mission of change.