Press Releases

Posted 10/21/2021

October 19, 2021, Brooklyn, NY: In celebration and recognition of the movement toward social equity, The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation (EJK Foundation), in collaboration with The Office Performing Arts + Film, has produced a new 30-minute documentary with free streaming access for all audiences starting today (CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FILM). Directed by Damani Baker (The House on Coco Road), edited by Jon Henry Fine, and with original music by Meshell Ndegeocello, the film is an enlightening and informative portrait of the ways in which multiculturalism is critical to the health of our society.

Press Release

Posted 3/9/2021

Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Celebrates the 35th Anniversary of Annual Book Award

Congratulations to this years Winners
Writer Award: Tricia Elam Walker for Nana Akua Goes to School
Illustration Award: Heidi Woodward Sheffield for Brick by Brick

Posted 2/23/2021

Spring 2021 Celebration to Honor the Legacy of Ezra Jack Keats Includes:
● 35th EJK Award Winners Announcement and Ceremony
● Silent Auction of Original Children’s Book Illustrations
● New Documentary Film about Ezra Jack Keats’ Impact on the Evolution of Diversity in American Children’s Literature

Posted 7/7/2020

Starting in June 2020, the EJK Foundation kicks off a yearlong celebration to reach educators, librarians, homeschoolers, parents, and children by producing a series of EJK Award-themed virtual and in-person activities, guides, and themed book lists.

Posted 5/5/2020

Winners of 34th Annual Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Competition Announced by Ezra Jack Keats Foundation and New York City Department of Education

Posted 3/16/2020

The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation is heartbroken not to be able to celebrate the fine authors and illustrators who are this year’s Ezra Jack Keats Award winners and honorees

Posted 2/24/2020

Congratulations to this year’s winners

Sydney Smith/EJK Award, Writer for Small in the City; and Ashleigh Corrin/EJK Award, Illustrator for Layla’s Happiness.

Posted 2/10/2020

Approximately 70 grants, up to $500 each, will be awarded to teachers and librarians in public schools and libraries whose proposals reflect an imaginative approach to experiential learning. Decisions will be emailed to all applicants in May, allowing educators to plan for the next academic year.

Posted 10/29/2019

Approximately 70 grants, up to $500 each, will be awarded to teachers and librarians in public schools and libraries whose proposals reflect imagination and a desire to make learning fun.

Posted 5/7/2019

Winners of 33rd Annual Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Competition Announced by Ezra Jack Keats Foundation and New York City Department of Education

Posted 2/19/2019

Congratulations to this year’s winners

John Sullivan/EJK Award, Writer for Kitten and the Nightwatchman; and Oge Mora/EJK Award, Illustrator for Thank You, Omu!.

Posted 2/13/2019

The deadline is March 31st but the application form is a breeze. Decisions are made by mid-May so you can plan for the next year. Turn your best ideas into a fun program for your students.

Posted 10/23/2018

Approximately 70 grants, up to $500 each, will be awarded to teachers and librarians in public schools and libraries whose proposals reflect imagination and a desire to make learning fun.

Posted 4/18/2018

Winners of 32th Annual Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Competition Announced by Ezra Jack Keats Foundation and New York City Department of Education

Posted 2/4/2018

Ezra Jack Keats Foundation and de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection at The University of Southern Mississippi to Present Awards at Fay B. Kaigler Children’s Book Festival on April 12th

Posted 1/23/2018

60+ Grants of Up To $500 Each Will Be Awarded to Teachers and Librarians Across the Country

Posted 11/8/2017

First $3,000 Prizes to be Presented at 32nd Annual EJK Book Award Ceremony, During Fay B. Kaigler Children’s Book Festival

Posted 10/16/2017

Posted 5/2/2017

Winners of 31th Annual Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Competition Announced by Ezra Jack Keats Foundation and New York City Department of Education

Posted 4/6/2017

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has nominated Amazon’s Original Special The Snowy Day for five Daytime Emmy® Awards, including Outstanding Preschool Children’s Animated Program,

Posted 2/23/2017

Ezra Jack Keats Foundation and de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection at The University of Southern Mississippi to Present Awards at Fay B. Kaigler Children’s Book Festival on April 6th

Posted 2/2/2017

60+ Grants of Up To $500 Each Will Be Awarded to Teachers and Librarians Across the Country

Posted 10/7/2016

29th Annual Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Mini-Grants Call for Proposals—Applying Is Fast and Easy

Posted 6/7/2016

Event-filled June Weekend Planned in Brooklyn to Celebrate Centenary of Ezra Jack Keats