Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Dr. Veronica Appleton uses her platform as an educator, DEI executive, and children’s author to inspire social change. Her latest book, “Mama Why,” addresses gun violence and the power of collective action, providing tools for young readers to process trauma and become agents of change in their communities (Photos Provided).
Veronica Appleton, born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, is an educator, speaker, philanthropist and trailblazer who learned the power of resilience early on. Growing up in a single-mother household, she witnessed firsthand how perseverance can lead to triumph. Today, Appleton balances her roles as a DEI executive and professor, working in both corporate and academic sectors.
Her impressive educational, professional, and philanthropic accomplishments have made her a transformative figure for adults, young adults, and children. However, Appleton is more than her accolades; she understands the importance of balance and integrating diverse voices to achieve meaningful change in her DEI initiatives.
As a three-time children’s author, Appleton has written “Journey to Appleville” (2016), “Tu-Tu Goes to School” (2020), and her latest book, “Mama Why” (2024), a comic about youth coping with loss. “Mama Why” offers tips for creating equity in the home and includes discussion questions to encourage conversations about violence, from gun violence to emotional and societal harm.
In “Mama Why,” young Malcolm learns that two of his friends lost their lives. He returns home and, after watching the news, learns that his friends lost their lives to gun violence. Seeking answers from his mother – “Mama, why?” he asks, trying to understand such a tragedy.
His mother, who always empowered him to use his voice, listened and helped him process his thoughts. She encouraged him to take action, leading Malcolm to organize a march with his local pastor and community leaders to raise awareness against violence and why Black lives matter.
Appleton first wrote “Mama Why” in 2016, after the deaths of Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, and countless other Black individuals whose lives were tragically cut short. The book has since grown, amplifying awareness of how violence impacts communities across the U.S.
“Mama Why” is an essential read for children, whether at home, in school, or through community programs,” Appleton says. “Children’s internal environments shape how they perceive the external world. Collective action can show them the power of bringing a village together to create change.”
What inspired you to write children’s books?
“There’s a gap in children’s literature that reflects who they are. While many books throughout history have been written, fewer than 200 books were authored and illustrated by people of color in the past. Now, there are over 1,000. I’m proud to be part of this wave, contributing to stories that help kids connect with their culture and understand the world around them.”
Appleton’s love for children’s literature began early. Her mother signed her up for a subscription to Highlights, and she’d always receive Disney books from a treasured chest provided by her aunt. Reading and literacy were highly valued in her household. “I’ve always been amazed by literature, so it’s no surprise I started writing children’s books. One of my first career aspirations was to be a computer animator. I’ve always been creative, with a bit of corporate swag.”
For Appleton, writing children’s books is a joyful creative outlet. She loves seeing kids light up when they recognize themselves in the artwork and feel connected to the stories.
Through Malcolm’s story, Appleton shows how kids can transform pain into action, uniting communities to bring about change. As she says, A child can only take actions that we consider change-making, motivating, and inspiring if those values are taught in the home. Malcolm not only used his voice but empowered others to do the same.
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