Carolivia Herron, Harvard professor and controversial author, gave a presentation on her new book and social issues at Sacramento State March 5. She is well known for her children’s book “Nappy Hair,” which was banned by two schools in New York.

“I looked at the news and there was my book flashed across the screen,” said Herron. “I can remember gripping my heart. I had no idea what was going to happen.”

The first indication she had that there would be a good outcome for her book was a message from the New York Times that said, “We’re going to save your book.”

Herron was teaching at Harvard when she developed the plan for “Nappy Hair.” She said it was primarily written for graduate students at Harvard and secondly for everyone else.

Her main inspiration for the book came from her uncle, who said she had the gift of nappy hair when she was a little girl. She said “Nappy Hair” is half based on her own personal experiences and half made up from her imagination.

During her presentation, she read sections from both “Nappy Hair” and her 2014 book “Asenath and the Origin of Nappy Hair.” She also discussed memories of happy times with her family and how those events influenced her writing.

At one point, she engaged the audience to join her in singing an excerpt of a blues song.

She entertained questions and gave advice and insight to her opinions about how culture has changed and how it should be communicated.

She also talked about how when she was younger she didn’t observe her life in terms of race or ethnicity but in terms of other qualities, such as the fact all people have the same color blood running through their veins.

“To me, white people are red. I didn’t see skin, I saw blood,” said Herron.

Herron mentioned another inspiration in addition to her family and experiences.

“I feel that my muse are all the people that died coming here [to America],” said Herron.

Foxie Brown is a former student of Herron during her time at Chico State and enjoyed the opportunity to hear Herron speak again.

“I think that it’s so current,” said Brown. “We’re still having these discussions about culture and art. She’s such a beautiful example of these intersections. She’s still very urban, very connected to youth.”

Brown also thought that Herron was a good choice as a speaker to represent the values of Women’s History Month.

“I think to have someone older for Women’s History Month, that’s just beautiful,” said Brown, motioning to a table of children from Roberts Family Development Center who came to hear Herron speak.

Scarlette Charles is a preschool teacher who is currently taking a class in children’s literature and has a strong interest in children’s books.

“I was familiar with her book,” said Charles. “My mom was in a black women’s book club and they talked about it, the controversy. I think it’s always good to hear from an author, no matter who they are.”

Herron’s lecture is one of several events Sacramento State is hosting for “Women’s HerStory Month.” The events celebrate strong women leaders who have made an impact in their communities.

“It’s a time to reflect on the many positive contributions women have made,” said Ajamu Lamumba, UNIQUE’s program adviser.