Meet Sandra Pete | Elder/Teacher/Quiltmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandra Pete and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandra, what inspires you?
All of these questions are so broad, I pondered over them a quite a minute before settling on this one. Ultimately I chose this one because I believe that inspiration is key to any idea. So, with that being said, I am inspired by the sunrise and the sunset, the continued evolution of life. The possibility and potential that presents itself day in and out as I live and breathe, sustains my faith and gives me the hope and perseverance that I need to stay the course as I seek to be an inspiration to all of the lives that I touch. I am just working on being Elder worthy; at this stage in my life I’m more concerned with being an inspiration than I am with what will inspire me. At my age it is an inspiration to be alive and healthy!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My name is Sandra Pete, I am a septuagenarian book loving quiltmaker. Legacy and literacy have become increasingly important to me. Legacy because I care what will be said of me long after I am gone, and literacy because not so long before I was born reading was against the law for me. So, I’m all about a good book to read and a beautiful quilt to cozy with. My mission is to encourage and inspire children to read for knowledge and enjoyment. I want them to know that knowledge is a real Super Power. Good stories can stimulate imagination, build vocabulary and increase learning power. It is my belief that our children are our most important assets and if we invest in them wisely (Education) the rate of return will be everlasting.
Running a business in the age of Covid-19 has presented some challenges, however, the vision remains the same, so every day I do the work that will complete the mission, one day at a time.
Here at Young Gifted & Black Children’s Books & Workshop, we take Education seriously, so we offer tutoring in reading and math. Our workshops are fun learning experiences with arts and crafts, painting and drawing, and fun with science. We have made it a point to shelve only those books that encourage, enhance, and inspire children to become lifelong learners and productive citizens.

What places would I take my friends to if they were in town for a week?
Of course first on my list would be a trip to Young Gifted & Black Children’s Books & Workshop. There is a wonderful little eatery right next door, Trend Urban Cafe, where we could get some good food.
Depending on timing, “The Obama Portrait Tour” will be at the High Museum in October, we would surely want to see that.
Most of our time would be spent hanging out in my kitchen chatting and drinking coffee and having endless, “girl do you remember when” conversations.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I honor my Ancestors, all those that stood up no matter the load and those who kept on going when things got tough. I thank them for the gift of reading, all of the teachers, and librarians who read to me and gave me books, they are still companions with me on this journey. My aim is to pay it forward. I am also grateful for my amazing sons, they saw my vision
and have worked tirelessly and graciously toward the fulfillment of this Mission. Last, but certainly not least, I must acknowledge all of the people who have repeatedly supported me by coming into the store on a regular basis to make a purchase, to ensure that Young Gifted & Black Children’s Books & Workshop remains a part of our community. I am humbly grateful.

Website: ygbchildrensbooks.com

Instagram: ygbchildrensbooks

Facebook: @ygbchildrensbooksandworkshop