The Nubian Baby Book

“Our Baby’s First Seven Years” was the first book published under the Nubian Press founded by Clarence L. Holte. The book is made in collaboration with Holte as editor, Robert S. Pious as illustrator, and Louise E. Jefferson as designer. The book is made to be interactive through entries similar to that of a journal, marking the journey of a child’s life through data and experiences, specifically for black children. The creation of the book was a direct response to classism and racism in mid-20th century America through the adoption of the white publication of “Our Baby's First Seven Years,” published in 1928. The adoption of the “white” formatting of this specific format for the baby book was a way for Nubian Press to assert black families into the public as people that belonged in a “structured” and “well-kept” society. This “white” format of publishing can be seen globally, specifically places where racism was prevalent (i.e. Europe and former colonized territories). Through modern printing, the format and structure was able to be adopted by Holte, and therefore the Nubian Press, to create a stance and assert black families in America with “social excellence.”

The production of the book was made with utmost care, created by the best in their respective fields in terms of design, illustration, and the editorial language presented to readers. The book was designed to give black parents an aesthetic and prideful record to celebrate their children's development. Jefferson is praised for her work on this book with her design structure, typography, and play with Pious’s illustrations to give black families a means to counteract systemic racism through beauty and acceptance.