Erica L. Butler is a versatile an African-American artist with past experience illustrating both children’s books and Black women’s history topics. Her images capture the spirit of joy and love that exudes the story of Edith Renfrow Smith.
The first images shared here were her sample sketches as she explored styles and approach. The image of the girl with her hair pulled back in a bun was the first one done after she met Edith and was able to talk with her about physical characteristics like hair. An updated version of this was used as the cover image.
Below are illustrations done for the book by Erica. Some were used as you see them here, others were altered after discussions with Edith’s daughter, Alice.
The Renfrow Story 