INTERVIEW: Chizelle’ T Archie & Freedom Speakz on THE LITTLE GIRL IN THE PINK DRESS

Today on Novels Alive, we welcome Mother/Daughter team Chizelle’ T Archie & Freedom Speakz to talk more about their book, THE LITTLE GIRL IN THE PINK DRESS.

How did you come up with ideas for the books?

Freedom Speakz— “Coming up with ideas was the easy part. Most of it was all true. In “The Little Girl in the Pink Dress” where I gave my “Generations” speech this past January at the Commemorative Day for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. the details surrounding that day and how it all started was the entire idea of the book. That day I met so many special and important people in history.”

Chizellé T. Archie— As she mentioned to get the idea was really the fun part. It made it seem so much better that we were telling a story that actually happened. When I was asked could she recite the speech by her principals in which it would call for me to write it, I never thought in a million years that after that day we would be here! The day was one I myself will never forget, and when she came to me and said she wanted to put that day down in print, I could only say yes.

In five words describe your book.

Freedom Speakz—“STEAM Adventures with Freedom Speakz and Friends” Active, Educational, Fun, Versatile, Cultural

What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading your books?

Freedom Speakz— I hope the readers, the children will realize they can be whatever they choose to be. They can do anything! I hope they will read the stories and learn who Mrs. Coretta Scott King was, and what part she played in history. I want them to learn that she was a great lady, and she contributed a lot to our history.

Chizellé T. Archie—I am hoping that children all over the world will discover their dreams! I am hoping they will learn that they too can become a great part of history. Even that, they too can write their own stories.

Why do you write? Is it something you’ve always done, or always wanted to do? Or is it something that you recently started?

Freedom Speakz—“I write because I want all children to know that they too can do it. They do not have to allow anyone to make them feel their gift is not valuable. God gave all of us a special gift and talents. I want them to never let anyone tell them they cannot! This is my first time ever writing. I wanted to do what my mother had done, follow in here footsteps.

Chizellé— “I write because it is therapy for me. It allows me to go places that no one else can. I love telling stories. I love putting my thoughts down, having someone read it as if they are actually a part of the story. Making it as real as it can be.”

Excluding your own, name three books you would recommend to your friends and why?

Freedom Speakz— “Before She Was Harriett” I would recommend this book because it tells the story of Araminta Tubman, and who she was before she became our fearless leader Harriet Tubman.

“Betty Before X” I would recommend this book because you learn so much about the woman that was married to Malcolm X. You learn about her life, her family, and her story.

“11 Before 12” This is a great book that teaches you lessons of going into middle school. It gives pointers on what to do, what not to do. Advice on boys and girls heading to teenage life. It has helped me a lot.

Just for fun, what are three things you never leave home without?

Freedom Speakz—Books, Business cards, and my cell phone!

Three Celebrity Crushes?

Chizellé T. Archie—Kirk Franklin, Plies, and my girl crush is Queen Latifah

Freedom Speakz and her friends have a fun filled day in the park, as she recounts the story of how her infamous “Generations” speech came to be. In this true tale, she relives the moments from where it all began. As a tribute to Mrs. Coretta Scott King it was on that day she stood and proclaimed FREEDOM for all to see. No one could have ever imagined that the voice of this little girl in a pink dress would forever change the world!

STEAM Adventures with Freedom Speakz and Friends

The fearless STEAM adventurer Freedom Speakz takes a journey to several fun places where she meets new friends along the way. While riding in her super powered yet magical Freedom Cycle, Freedom Speakz, her friends, and yes you too, will help each other complete the wonderful activities that spell all things Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math!

Freedom Speakz, born Freedom Jah’an Archie, is the petite but larger than life, multi-talented artist and Atlanta, Georgia native. She is a seventh grader currently attending Coretta Scott King Young Women’s leadership Academy.

As her name suggests, Freedom Speakz is a free-spirited young lady, who never misses an opportunity to fascinate audiences both big and small.

Freedom’s love for the arts parallels her love of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). At just twelve years old, she is young yet fierce and confident.

Chizelle’ T. Archie, is a native of Mobile, Alabama. She bursts on the literary scene in 2010 when she penned her debut novel, “The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond, in which the sequel shortly followed. “His Grace, His Blood, His Mercy! ”Chizelle’ is a mother to the joy of her life Freedom Jah’an A.K.A. Freedom Speakz, as well as a Registered Nurse. She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.