Whether reading her books to students or showing up at an event to do chalk art, Buffalo artist and writer Julia Williamson is always working to promote diversity.

"Growing up, I didn’t see a lot of Black authors," says Williamson, an illustrator and author of children’s books. "And giving kids an opportunity to see professionals who look like them gives them an idea that they have those opportunities."

"I’ve been drawing since I could hold anything," she adds. "My parents promoted creativity with me and my brother. Luckily, I had that kind of background. It’s stuck with me very much."

For example, one piece of chalk art that she has been working on is based off of the famous painting "The Girl with a Pearl Earring." Williamson says that she is giving it her own twist by making the woman a person of color and continuing to promote diversity.

"I think diversity, especially right now, is very important," says Williamson. "Just being understanding of people of different cultures, appearances and backgrounds. That’s something I focus on in my artwork, not just my personal work, but the books I write and illustrate."

You can find Williamson’s books on Amazon.