Collette V. Smith & April Ryan Discuss Collette's Courage

MahoganyBooks and the DC Public Library are excited to host the first African-American female coach in the history of the National Football League and the first Woman to Coach in New York Jets Franchise history, Collette V. Smith! Collette will be joined in conversation with MahoganyBooks friend, award winning author, and White House Correspondent trailblazer, April D. Ryan. What's better than one amazing history maker? Two!

Join us for an exciting book celebration and discussion of her book, , an empowering children's book inspired by real events from Collette's life. Collette will be joined in conversation with our book friend, April Ryan.

A big thank you to our partners and co-hosts at the DC Public Library for your support of this event.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Collette's Courage

Collette's Courage is an empowering children's book inspired by the true story of Collette V. Smith, the first African-American female coach in the history of the National Football League and the first Woman to Coach in New York Jets Franchise history.

Young readers meet Collette as a curious, bold, and big-hearted little girl with a passion for football, a loyal dog named Bucky, and a dream that seems bigger than what others believe is possible for a girl. When boys tell her she can't play football "because she's a girl," Collette doesn't back down-she stands tall, speaks up, and shows the world what courage really looks like.

With the love of her parents, the support of her two childhood friends, and the strength she finds inside herself, Collette's Courage is a celebration of self-belief, bravery, kindness, and the power of standing up for who you are.

This story encourages every child-especially young Black girls-to dream big, speak proudly, and never let anyone define their worth. Because courage starts with believing in yourself.

Event guidelines are subject to change.

• 1:30 PM - Doors Open | 2 PM Event begins | 4 PM event ends
• For reasonable accommodations, please contact the Center for Accessibility at 202-727-2142 or [email protected]. For ASL or tactile interpretation, please allow at least seven (7) days notice.
• Photographs may be taken during the event WITHOUT FLASH.
• Please tag us and use #mahoganybooks, #blackbooksmatter #collettescourage on social media.

Let's have an amazing afternoon,

-- Derrick, Ramunda, & the MahoganyBooks Team

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