Ebony Elizabeth Thomas

@ebonyteach

I wrote #TheDarkFantastic. Aspiring YA fantasy author; newbie YouTuber. Professor and grad program chair; Auntie PhD. 🔺1913, OES⭐️, Rattler🧡🐍, Wolverine💛💙. Detroit vs Everybody. Linktree: Ebonyteach.

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Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Jun 28

Listening to Kadir Nelson’s CSK/Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech @ ALA 2027 Chicago!

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Jun 17

WE DID IT! The Handbook of Research on Diversity in Children's and Young Adult Literature is officially at the publisher! Here's a look at the numbers... (1/2) #AcademicSky #literacies #kidlit #MGlit #YAlit

WE DID IT!!!
We submitted the Handbook of Research on Diversity in Children's and Young Adult Literature manuscript to Routledge! Thank you to our authors, artists, and graduate assistants!
With love, Patricia Enciso, Sarah Park Dahlen, and Ebony Elizabeth Thomas.

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· May 10

Lying Cat from the Saga comic series... blue-green cat with golden collar; speech bubble says "LYING" (which Kasparian is doing in the OP).

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· May 5

Three things can be true at the same time: 1. "Black don't crack." 2. "I don't look like what I been through!" 3. Aging gracefully is its own blessing. This is me at 38 vs. 48. I'm on this fantastic voyage along with everyone else. Women frankly don't owe anyone eternal youth; maturity is DOPE. 🙌🏾

Ebonyteach @ SDCC 2016, Age 36. Comic-con International Background, Ebony in a Out of Print tee (Harold and the Purple Crayon), long Sisterlocks. Holding a placard with her name and title.

Ebonyteach @ 48. In her campus office at the University of Michigan, fall 2025. Silk press, marble glasses, silver hoop earrings, black t-shirt with white pearls around the collar.

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· May 2

Many congratulations to our University of Michigan graduates! Cheering for the class of 2026. I look forward to seeing you at Marsal Commencement this afternoon!

Block M - Maize on a dark blue field. University of Michigan in all caps, serif font.

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· May 2

So many people died from guns and AIDS. So much pop culture was about that, from Boyz in Da Hood to RENT. Generally, I assume those with the loudest mics in 2026 grew up way more privileged than a lot of us did. I'm most nostalgic for my early childhood. Crack and AIDS hit the D when I was 8.

A Time Before Crack by Jamel Shabazz (Author), Claude Grunitsky (Author), James Koe Rodriguez (Author), Charlie Ahearn (Author), & 1 more Format: Hardcover

Once upon a time before crack, inner city communities were blighted by poverty and unemployment—but not by the drug wars that tore families apart, destroying lives with needless violence and mindless addiction. Once upon a time before crack, pride and style were as inseparable as a beatbox and mixtape, or as a pair of shoes and matching purse. Once upon a time before crack, Jamel Shabazz was on the scene, working the streets of New York City, capturing the faces and places of an era that have long since disappeared.

Best known as Hip Hop’s finest fashion photographer for his blockbuster best-selling monograph, Back in the Days (powerHouse Books, 2001), Shabazz revisited his archive and unearthed an extraordinary collection of never-before-published documentary photographs collected for his third powerHouse Books release, A Time Before Crack, a visual diary of the streets of New York City from the mid-seventies to the mid-eighties, Shabazz’s distinctive photographs reveal the families, the poses, and the players who made this age extraordinary.

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Apr 29

This weekend, I gave a talk for a scholarship banquet @ our lodge. I quoted our ancestor, Jamaica's Marcus Garvey: "Up, ye mighty race! Accomplish what you will." After my talk, a brother who is a pilot came up to me. He's starting his own air freight company. And I remembered the Black Star Line.

A five-dollar share in Marcus Garvey’s Black Star Line, bought by William Julius Hill in 1921. (from MS0053, Securities Collection).

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Apr 25

This chapter by Shaobo Xie (2000)'s my origin story. "If children's literature & the criticism of children's literature take upon themselves to decolonize the world, they will prove to be the most effective postcolonial project in the long run, for the world always ultimately belongs to children."

"If children's literature & the criticism of children's literature take upon themselves to decolonize the world, they will prove to be the most effective postcolonial project in the long run, for the world always ultimately belongs to children."

Ending of Xie, Shaobo. "Rethinking the identity of cultural otherness: The discourse of difference as an unfinished project." Voices of the Other. Ed. Roderick McGillis. London: Routledge, 2013. pp. 1-16.

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Apr 12

I just signed my contract for a second term. 2026-2029.

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Apr 7

A WIN IS A WIN! First NCAA Basketball Championship since 1989! 💛💙

From ESPN's Facebook: GO. BLUE. 🏆
MICHIGAN IS THE FIRST BIG TEN TEAM TO WIN A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SINCE 2000! 🔥

Photograph of Michigan Wolverines Coach Dusty May plus starters with the trophy. At the bottom of the photo reads "National Champions Michigan Wolverines"

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Mar 2

There's so much love between Black Philly & Black Detroit, but their politics are FAR more radical than ours.... Coleman Young's DPD didn't bomb the North End. I grew up with this sketch of Mama Ramona Africa in my home by artist Bennie White, my Dad's friend. Donated it to the MOVE museum in 2021.

Mama Ramona Africa of MOVE by Detroit artist Bennie White. c. 1985-1989. Pencil and charcoal on crumpled white paper, matted on black and framed in thin black wood. From Ebonyteach's personal collection, and donated to the MOVE museum in 2021.

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Mar 1

This is my great-great grandmother, Sarah Kinsler Gibson Davis. 🙏🏾 She's the only child of our ancestors Daniel and Mary Katherine Kinsler whom our family has a picture of... she has more than a thousand descendants. The enslavers brought our ancestors to Florida in 1842 during the Seminole Wars.

Ebonyteach's ancestor - great-great Grandmother Sara(h) Kinsler Gibson Davis.

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Mar 1

Yes! That's exactly why I loved Toni...she's from Maryland, but I heard post-Motown Detroit's Anita Baker in her sultry contralto. When I was little, Black Boomer Detroit was obsessed with the group she came from, Chapter 8. Everyone my age or older here knows their self-titled album back to front.

Chapter 8 is the debut studio album by the Detroit, Michigan-based group Chapter 8. It was released in 1979. It was their only album to include lead vocals from Anita Baker before she went on to solo stardom. The album for the company that was little noticed, except for the Baker-led minor hit single "Ready for Your Love".[2][3][4] The single, written by David Washington, prefigured Baker's solo career in a duet with bandmate Gerald Lyles, backed by Derek Dirckson on drums Michael Powell on guitar and Courtten Hale on saxophone.[5][6][7]

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Feb 26

Home sick, so I missed Justin Coles' talk today (💔), but was able to co-teach virtually with neb treatments. Currently attending a 🔥 U-M DISCO presentation on Zoom about content creation & the end of social media. Featuring Catherine Knight Steele, Kelechi Okafor, Brooke Duffy, and Crystal Abidin!

DISCO Network Presents - Content Creation and the End of Social Media
Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:30 PM ET | Zoom
Event Description

Is social media still social? With the spread of content creation as a business, political strategy, and pastime across platforms, where is the space for sociality in social media? This panel examines the role of engagement farming, influencer culture, misinformation, disinformation, and AI in reshaping social media as a creator economy. In a digital landscape where we all serve as content creators and/or unwitting sources of valuable data, we explore whether social media is still a desirable avenue for forming and cultivating community, engaging in organizing strategies, or simply being social.

This event is free and open to the public. We especially encourage all interested faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students to attend. Advance registration is recommended.

Meet the Panelists

Professor Crystal Abidin is a digital anthropologist and ethnographer of vernacular internet cultures, researching influencer cultures, attention economies, and social media pop cultures especially in the Asia Pacific region. She has published over 250 articles/chapters, 16 special issues, 5 authored books, and 4 edited books, including Internet Celebrity: Understanding Fame Online (2018, Emerald Publishing), Instagram: Visual Social Media Cultures (co-authors Leaver & Highfield, 2020, Polity Press), and tumblr: Curation, Creativity and Community (co-authors Tiidenberg & Hendry, 2022, Polity Press). Her newest books are TikTok and Youth Cultures (2025, Emerald Publishing) and Child Influencers: How Children Become Entangled with Social Media Fame (2025, Polity Press). Crystal is Professor of Internet Studies, Director of the Influencer Ethnography Research Lab, and Founder of the TikTok Cultures Research Network at Curtin University.

Brooke Erin Duffy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at Cornell Unive…

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Feb 14

The best Valentine's Day gift that I ever gave myself happened 4 years ago this afternoon. On February 14, 2022, I closed on my Lily Pad - the home that I never thought I would be able to afford. Planned to photograph a dozen roses on the counter, but I chose to start remodeling right away. ❤️🙏🏾

Ebonyteach, in empty living room, before closing on her home. Beige and white walls, white inner balcony and ceiling, grey carpet. She is wearing a green sweater, black plants, and white socks.

Same view of Ebonyteach's living room from the dining room 4 years later. Fully furnished, with The Delta Box eternity roses in view. Color scheme is blue, black, orange, pink and green. Decor is Afro Boho / Floridian.

Empty staircase and balcony of Ebonyteach's home, 2022.

Same view of Ebonyteach's home, fully furnished. White walls are now almond beige, carpet is now hickory hardwood flooring, covered by colorful rugs. There are two brown recliners and a teal-covered sofa. On the balcony, a folding screen gives the upstairs privacy. Colorful artwork is throughout.

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Jan 28

Me, 31 years apart at school. Fall 1994 & Fall 2025. 17 & 48! 2025 was the first time I've worn my own hair straightened since senior year of high school. “I love myself when I am laughing, and then again when I am looking mean and impressive.” --Zora Neale Hurston, a Black Floridian like Grandma.

Ebonyteach, age 17. Short 90s bob, gold hoop earrings, kente print t-shirt. Photograph for senior yearbook.

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Jan 23

Nice try, MAGA, but the truth is in 40 million people's DNA, in hundreds of slave testimonials, eyewitness accounts, and the Federal Writers' Project. Trump wouldn't even have a White House to desecrate if it wasn't for enslaved laborers. Recommended reading:

Never Caught: The Washingtons' Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge
By Erica Armstrong Dunbar

The Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret": George Washington, Slavery, and the Enslaved Community at Mount Vernon by Mary V. Thompson

The Counter-Revolution of 1776: Slave Resistance and the Origins of the United States of America by Gerald Horne

How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Jan 23

Went to grab the link to my article from almost a decade ago about children's literature whitewashing George Washington's slaveholding. It was published in the journal Social Education. Colleagues, if you didn't know, AI is now summarizing our articles on Google. I'm pissed. This is not OK.

AI Overview
Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, in collaboration with James Joshua Coleman and Lindsay R. Cicchino, argues for teaching a more complex, accurate, and critical narrative about George Washington and slavery, moving beyond simplified picture books to examine him as a "flawed founder". They emphasize that Washington's legacy is defined by his, and the nation's, deep contradictions regarding liberty and human bondage.
Context on Washington's Views: Washington privately expressed a desire to stop enslaving people and supported gradual abolition in the 1780s and 1790s, yet he continued to rely on enslaved labor and did not publicly advocate for abolition, fearing it would tear apart the new nation.
Contradictions in Action: While expressing "regret" over owning human property, Washington signed the 1793 Fugitive Slave Act and, according to YouTube video, used loopholes to keep his enslaved workers in Pennsylvania from gaining freedom.
The Enslaved Experience: Washington managed Mount Vernon with high demands and, according to YouTube video, was considered more severe by some contemporaries than other owners. He kept strict records, separated families, and, according to YouTube video, forced the sale of individuals to the West Indies.
Teaching Perspective: Thomas argues that children's literature must move away from portraying enslaved people as merely happy or complicit in their bondage—such as in the controversial book A Birthday Cake for George Washington—and instead confront the reality of slavery in his household, say Thomas et al..
Washington did ultimately arrange for the emancipation of his slaves in his will, but this only occurred after his death in 1799, and they were the only slaves freed by a Founding Father.

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Jan 13

Happy 113th Founders Day to all my Sorors of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated! ❤️🔺 #AOML

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Dec 29

The meeting of our incredible Black Florida family, the Kinslers, incorporating my branch was yesterday. Incredible experience! Our book is in its second edition. Third one is coming soon; I’ve been invited to help with the research @ USC! Historical *and* archaeological…

From Whence We Came: A History of the African-American Kinslers. Written by Cynthia P White, EdD, author; Brenda K. Kinsler, MA, researcher. Forward by Charles “Charlie” Smith.
Blue book cover, featuring a picture of Dr. White at the Door of No Return in Ghana.

The book about the Kinslers on our coffee table.

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Dec 18

Called out by Timmy’s but I have my mid morning coffee fix so whatever 🤷🏾‍♀️

Tim Hortons sign saying thank you… See you tomorrow. Sign is red with white writing, the white painted posters in the snow in the background, there is a parking lot.

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Dec 17

Remember Cuarón's Children of Men adaptation?

Quietus - fictional state sanctioned suicide med from the Children of Men, a world where 99% of humans become infertile

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Dec 15

Gratitude for all who post gorgeous blooms in #FlowerReport and #Bloomscrolling each and every day! You've carried us through the turbulence of 2025. I don't take the best pictures, but my humble offering for #MagentaMonday is from 2023. I adore flowers & often have fresh bouquets around my home. 💐

Ebonyteach's great room, with living area in the background. In the foreground, there's a mixed bouquet of pink and magenta flowers with berries and foliage.

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Dec 12

Me today (and far too many days).

Annie Lee, Blue Monday - famous painting from the 1980s

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Nov 27

Let's go, #Lions! #ThanksgivingDayGame

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Nov 15

Speaking of our girlhoods, FB memories coughed up this gem: our 1991 Bates Academy 8th grade graduation! (l-r) My friend Deborah Trombly, me, late great social studies teacher Ms. Marsha Rogers & my friend Ingrid LaFleur (former Detroit mayoral candidate and Afrofuturist activist! look her up!).

(l-r) my friend Deborah Trombly, me, our late great social studies teacher Ms. Marsha Rogers & Ingrid LaFleur (former Detroit mayoral candidate and Afrofuturist activist).

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Nov 1

Fuller view of my costume at home! Halloween is always freezing cold in Michigan… ❄️ I had to put on a coat underneath my cloak! It was hilarious being in my old neighborhood Getting shout outs for the fantasy stuff I’ve always loved (and used to get teased for loving 😭) - thank you, pop culture! ✨

Ebonyteach in medieval forest queen costume, Angel’s Night ‘25

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Nov 1

Volunteered with my family and chapter for a trunk or treat community event yesterday in Detroit. It was my first time in decades dressing up! Had tons of fun & hope to wear this costume next year @ the Renaissance festival. 🏹

Ebonyteach in a medieval forest costume!

Ebonyteach with OES sisterfriends, angels, night trunk or treat event

Ebonyteach with sister and nephews, Angel’s Night trunk or treat event

Ebonyteach with OES sisterfriends, Angel’s Night trunk or treat community event in Detroit

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Nov 1

This fall, I've gotten into affirmations. Any favorite sources for graduate students? Undergrads? Professors? Researchers? I love Tricia Hersey (Nap Ministry)'s Rest Deck! I know her work, but my colleague and Detroit sisterfriend Dr. April Baker-Bell introduced me to the deck. Highly recommended!

The Nap Ministry's Rest Deck
50 Practices to Resist Grind Culture
Tricia Hersey

Deck has a blue background, words are in gold. On the left, a drawing of a Black woman with natural hair, blue eye shadow, and chocolate brown lipstick shows her tilting up her head with eyes closed. On the left and right, green foliage with yellow and orange flowers frame the portrait

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas@ebonyteach· Oct 19

The harvest from our 2025 deck garden was very modest & very tasty. (This is around one-fourth of it… we even grew a couple of small watermelons!) We can’t wait for next year! Many plans to expand… never say never, even in an apartment or condo! #gardening