George Ford’s 99th Birthday Tribute
George Ford is the first illustrator to win a Coretta Scott King Award in 1974 for his illustrations in Ray Charles by Sharon Bell Mathis.
George Ford just turned 99 and the CBC asked his many friends to share birthday wishes to celebrate George. Here are just a few!
George,
God danced the day you were born! The rest of us have been dancing in celebration ever since. May your special day be blessed.
Love,
Nikki Grimes
Dear George,
99-years young, I’d say! George, please enjoy this special day—you are a super star! I’m glad we got to catch up at CSK breakfast. It was a thrill to see you.
Peace,
Jason Low
Hi George,
Wishing you a very happy 99th birthday! Wow that’s impressive and so are you!
Love,
Diane Dillon
George,
Where would the family of Black creatives be
without your dedication to set our children free?
Your wisdom is our lamp, we are all your legacy.
Blessings,
Carol Boston Weatherford
Happy Birthday, George,
You are more than a friend, you are family! I am thankful for our relationship. Because of it, I have become a smarter, more inquisitive person, and perhaps, even a bit more engaging. Love our conversations! You are the anchor, my brother! Again, happy birthday, and keep on keeping on!
Wade Hudson
For 50+ of your 99 years you’ve been a dear friend, a wise brother, an awesome creative collaborator in the kidlit community, and a general all around inspiration to me. Sending mega love to you for all the gifts you’ve shared with us.
Happy Birthday!
Cheryl Hudson
Wish we could be there to give you 99 massive hugs, George! You are an extraordinary, talented, artistic, gifted, accomplished, eloquent raconteur, and all round wonderful being and a first-class vodka Martini maker.
David Bennett
To the One-and-Only George Ford
from Andrea & Brian Pinkney
Dearest, George,
On this glorious celebration of your birthday, here is an acrostic poem, especially for you. Happy 99th, remarkable G-E-O-R-G-E!
Gregarious
Energetic
Optimistic
Rejoices in others
Gracious
Encouraging
With much love and admiration,
Andrea & Brian Pinkney
Dear George,
Our hero, pioneer, mentor artist.
Love and respect from your fan,
Phoebe Yeh
Happy 99th birthday to a trailblazer, truth teller and amazing kidlit creator who I get to call family. Thank you for all you are and all you do to lift us higher.
Love you Uncle George!
Katura Hudson
“I have such a deep admiration for George on multiple levels. He’s a trailblazer for me as an African American illustrator. As a father, his illustrated book, The Story of Ruby Bridges, was the first picture book with a story featuring a historical African American person that I gave and read to my daughter. The best way I could thank and wish him a happy birthday was to do a mixed medium portrait.”
London Ladd
Happy Birthday, George Ford!
