October 18, 2025
Bobo’s work on ‘I Am Sufficient’ broke via as each a industrial mixing daring imagery and affirming messages for women of coloration.
Artist and Illustrator Keturah Ariel Nailah Bobo has died on the age of 45 following a long-time undisclosed sickness, her household introduced
The Ohio-natives work on a New York Occasions bestselling kids’s ebook, “I Am Sufficient,” written by Grace Byers, which broke via as each a industrial and cultural success. She blended daring imagery and affirming messages aimed toward younger kids, particularly women of coloration.
In an Instagram submit, Bobo’s household notified followers and followers of the tragic information. Honoring Bobo’s “deeply non-public soul” the household didn’t elaborate on the circumstances surrounding her dying. Nevertheless, Bobo’s family members inspired others to rejoice her life via artwork.
“We ask that you simply honor her reminiscence within the methods she liked most — via artwork, music, coloration, and human connection. Keturah was an excellent artist, a faithful good friend, and a radiant supply of pleasure and inspiration. Although her time with us was far too quick, her creativity, laughter, and light-weight dwell on — in her artwork and within the hearts of everybody who knew her,” the submit learn.
Within the years following the discharge of “I Am Sufficient,” Bobo was thought of a go-to illustrator for initiatives in search of a multicultural lens. She commonly appeared at ebook festivals and occasions the place she spoke about creating artwork that helps shallowness in younger readers.
Over her profession she illustrated a complete of ten books for younger readers together with: “The Evening Is Yours,” written by Abdul-Razak Zachariah, “A Is For All The Issues You Are,” written by Anne Ferguson Hinely, and Grace Byer’s “I Consider I Can.”
Bobo’s method to illustration was praised for its heat, variety, and emotional depth. The mom and artist’s work sometimes conveyed empowerment, affirmation, and illustration, particularly for Black kids who seldom noticed themselves in mainstream image books.
She spoke about her targets in a 2024 interview with on-line publication Matter.: “I wish to be certain my son sees characters that characterize who he’s or who he may probably be,” Bobo mentioned. “And also you don’t notice how vital that concept is except you don’t have it.”
Bobo’s legacy leaves a mark on kids’s publishing, notably in efforts to extend visible variety. Whereas her time was too quick, she made an everlasting affect. No association particulars have been launched on the time of publish.
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