Baltimore, Maryland (April 1, 1911 -February 12, 1998)

Augusta Braxton Baker was an American librarian and storyteller. She was known for her contributions to children’s literature, especially regarding the portrayal of Black Americans in works for children. Her many accomplishments included the first extensive bibliography of children’s books. Baker learned to read before starting kindergarten, graduated at 16, attended the University of Pittsburgh and transferred to Albany Teachers College after her sophomore year. Eleanor Roosevelt, governor of New York advocated for Baker’s transfer because the college did not want to admit Black people. She was the first African American to earn a master’s degree in librarianship from the college. Baker oversaw children’s programs in the entire New York City Public Library system and set polices for them.