Chicago Tween Raising Money to Donate Lupita Nyong'o's Children's Book to Elementary School

CHICAGO - Sept. 16, 2019 - PRLog -- Award-winning Chicago Tween Anah Ambuchi has launched a crowdfunding campaign to purchase 50 copies of the Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o's new children's picture book about colorism and self-esteem.

Ambuchi, recently was named a "Celebrity Godparent" as part of actor Keke Palmer's "Saving Our Daughters" program, hosted at Willa Cather Elementary School. Ambuchi will spend several hours a month as a mentor to the students at the school while being mentored by Ford model Jacki Hydock.  She joins an impressive list, including Grace Gealey Byers, star of the hit TV series, Empire; Yara Shahidi, star of the hit shows, Black-ish and Grown-ish and Quvenzhané Wallis, star of the hit movie Annie.

"I'm excited about the book Sulwe and its message and really feel every kid should read Ms. Nyong'o's book," said Ambuchi, whose short film, Made in His Image, is based on a true story about Ambuchi experienced colorism and bullying. "Being bullied for my dark complexion was tough to deal with, colorism is a topic that is near and dear to me and I strongly feel that it's a topic that we need to continue to discuss."

To donate to the campaign, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/colorism-help-the-youth-learn-about-it?rcid=r01-156858376775-ea3e62b8c520469e&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_w

Nyong'o's book chronicles the story of Sulwe whose skin is darker than everyone in her family and in her school. Nyong'o paints a whimsical story that helps Sulwe embrace her inner beauty and raise her self-esteem. Ambuchi's story is very much the same. As a student in middle school, Ambuchi is hurt and confused as her classmates call her names. She later finds strength from her mother's constant reassurance and taps into her faith to channel her anger into writing, directing and producing the short film, with nationally acclaimed acting coach, Jossie Harris Thacker, as executive producer and co-director. Ambuchi cast the film and shot it in various locations in Chicago during a cold weekend last year.

Saving Our Daughters, a 501(c)3 organization works with girls from different backgrounds through theater, film, culinary and literacy, to help them overcome obstacles they face growing up such as bullying, dating abuse, domestic violence, and other esteem issues.

Ambuchi's film Made in His Image made a special international premiere at Cannes Film Festival - Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase and also received the inaugural Rising Star Award. Made in His Image has also gone on to be accepted into nine film festivals between Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas and has won Best in Show Middle School and Best Young Talent.