February is Black History Month, and in 2026 the celebration reaches a historic milestone — 100 years of national Black history commemorations.This year’s theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” reflects how honoring Black history has shaped identity, strengthened community, and elevated the contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and storytellers across generations.At KCRA 3, we’re marking Black History Month by spotlighting the powerful impact of Black Northern Californians. Dr. JaNay Brown-Wood is a Sacramento-area author and educator whose work is inspiring young readers across the country.For Brown-Wood, storytelling isn’t just creative expression — it’s a calling.The New York Times bestselling author has written more than 30 children’s books, all driven by a clear mission: helping children see themselves reflected in the stories they read.“I hated reading,” she said, reflecting on her childhood. “It’s because I couldn’t find myself. I couldn’t find books that looked like me or my family.”Raised in Fresno in a large, loving family, Brown-Wood turned to storytelling long before she found a love for reading. She began writing her own books as a child — a passion that would later shape her career.That journey led her to UCLA, Sacramento State, and ultimately UC Davis, where she earned a Ph.D. focused on education, learning, and the developing mind. Through both research and lived experience, she uncovered a troubling reality: many Black and Brown children fall behind early, often because they lack access to books that reflect their lives.“If we can get to them early — giving them literacy skills so they know how to read, write, and spell well — we increase their likelihood of living the life they want to live,” she said.Brown-Wood writes with intention, creating stories that serve as mirrors, windows, and doors for young readers. Her books reach children nationwide — including families right here in Northern California.Her journey hasn’t been without challenges. One of her books even landed on a list of titles targeted for banning.“When you looked for the rationale, all you saw was that it was written by a Black author,” she said.Still, she presses forward.A former high school basketball and volleyball standout, Brown-Wood now travels the country speaking to educators and parents. She also offers free online resources like “Jammies with JaNay,” encouraging families to read together.“Read to your child every night before they go to bed,” she said. “It helps solidify important brain networks that set the stage for literacy.”Brown-Wood is building Black history — one page at a time.She also hopes to one day expand her stories to television with her own show.Each Monday in February, KCRA 3 will highlight the significant contributions of Black Northern Californians. You can watch all of the Black History Month profiles on the KCRA 3 app.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
FAIR OAKS, Calif. —
February is Black History Month, and in 2026 the celebration reaches a historic milestone — 100 years of national Black history commemorations.
This year’s theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” reflects how honoring Black history has shaped identity, strengthened community, and elevated the contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and storytellers across generations.
At KCRA 3, we’re marking Black History Month by spotlighting the powerful impact of Black Northern Californians.
Dr. JaNay Brown-Wood is a Sacramento-area author and educator whose work is inspiring young readers across the country.
For Brown-Wood, storytelling isn’t just creative expression — it’s a calling.
The New York Times bestselling author has written more than 30 children’s books, all driven by a clear mission: helping children see themselves reflected in the stories they read.
“I hated reading,” she said, reflecting on her childhood. “It’s because I couldn’t find myself. I couldn’t find books that looked like me or my family.”
Raised in Fresno in a large, loving family, Brown-Wood turned to storytelling long before she found a love for reading. She began writing her own books as a child — a passion that would later shape her career.
That journey led her to UCLA, Sacramento State, and ultimately UC Davis, where she earned a Ph.D. focused on education, learning, and the developing mind. Through both research and lived experience, she uncovered a troubling reality: many Black and Brown children fall behind early, often because they lack access to books that reflect their lives.
“If we can get to them early — giving them literacy skills so they know how to read, write, and spell well — we increase their likelihood of living the life they want to live,” she said.
Brown-Wood writes with intention, creating stories that serve as mirrors, windows, and doors for young readers. Her books reach children nationwide — including families right here in Northern California.
Her journey hasn’t been without challenges.
One of her books even landed on a list of titles targeted for banning.
“When you looked for the rationale, all you saw was that it was written by a Black author,” she said.
Still, she presses forward.
A former high school basketball and volleyball standout, Brown-Wood now travels the country speaking to educators and parents.
She also offers free online resources like “Jammies with JaNay,” encouraging families to read together.
“Read to your child every night before they go to bed,” she said. “It helps solidify important brain networks that set the stage for literacy.”
Brown-Wood is building Black history — one page at a time.
She also hopes to one day expand her stories to television with her own show.
Each Monday in February, KCRA 3 will highlight the significant contributions of Black Northern Californians. You can watch all of the Black History Month profiles on the KCRA 3 app.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel