Shamar Knight-Justice is currently the Principal of Ethos Classical, an elementary school focused on the intersection of joy, rigor, and the humanity of its students. He has been an educator for over ten years, and is inspired daily by the stories and imaginations of his students.
Shamar’s artwork focuses on mixed media, and unique textures and patterns. In his work, he uses different mediums to build interest in his characters, and add complexity to their personalities. He intentionally highlights Black and Brown children in his work because he believes that the fullness of their identities should be displayed, and are often overlooked in picture books.
Shamar’s first debut book, Ari J.’s Kinky Curly Crown, was released in February of 2021. Since publication, he has been commissioned for work by American Greetings, Scholastic, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Harper Collins, Macmillan, and Heinemann Publishing. He has two books forthcoming in 2023: Big Tune: Rise of the Dancehall Prince, and Repeat After Me: Big Things To Say Every Day.