Page 10 - WilmU - Spring 2017

THE NEWS
Angus MacLennan, at right, is an adjunct professor at Wilmington University.
‘ADREAMING’ ABOUT DIVERSITY
few years ago, and create a story that children able to identify with someone in after watching all over the world could relate to,” the story.”
the Disney says Williams. The result is his first Another inspiration is nature. film “Frozen,” children’s book, “Dreaming Their Way Many of the scenes in the WilmU alumnus Out,” a story about seven orphans storybook are set in the jungle, LENNY WILLIAMS from diverse cultures who yearn forest and under the starlit night
realized that there was a major lack desperately for a family. sky. Williams searched for an
of diversity in animated movies. “Frozen” is the highest grossing animated movie of all time — and it doesn’t include any characters of color.
“Instead of complaining I decided to take matters into my own hands
Several of the characters are named for Williams’ brothers, a cousin and a young friend who inspired him to create the story. “When I tuck my little brothers in
at night and read them a children’s book,” he says, “I want them to be
illustrator who could bring his words to life and found a graphic designer in Germany to illustrate his story.
Williams has received positive feedback about his multicultural storybook at local book signings and is hard at work on additional
8 WilmU magazine
SUSAN L. GREGG