"I was named after the Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova. I sometimes believe that I also obtained her gracefulness because I seem to never fall whenever I trip or slip, like some sort of a super power." Name: Anna Brown Birthplace: Alexandria, VAIG: @miss_apb What woman in your life has been the greatest source of inspiration to you? It is too difficult to choose one woman, but three come to mind: my mother, Maya Angelou, and the “real” Rosa Parks - not the tired housekeeper often portrayed in the media and textbooks - but the NAACP activist who decided the event previously experienced by sixteen year old Claudette Colvin was worth reenacting to become one of the most pivotal moments in the civil rights movement. When do you feel like the strongest version of yourself? I feel strongest when I am creating, whether it is singing, writing, or illustrating. I feel the most confident when fully engaged in my art, as I feel it is the best way to express myself and the most honest form of expression. How do you hope to inspire the next generation of women? As a children’s author, I hope to inspire girls to be fearless leaders of change. For example, in my first book, the protagonist, Daffodil Grey, shows compassion towards a new friend who is upset, then confronts the bully that upsets her. I want to encourage our leaders of tomorrow to stand up for what is right and show empathy towards others. If you could spend an afternoon with any woman past or present — who would it be and what would you ask them? Wow. I have so many women in mind, but if I had to chose one I would say Shirley Chisholm. I would ask her what her thoughts are on the current political situation and what she would do to turn the nation in the right direction if she ran again and was elected president.
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