Hate or any of its derivatives aren't usually associated with children's books, but to the Graham brothers the book's approach is just right for the myriad of emotional issues facing many of today's young Black youth. Journalist Cheryl Aldeve of Greensboro 
recently interviewed Terrence and Eric about their character Bobbee Bee, and their work with mentally and emotionally needy children, and their future projects.1. What incident or person inspired the writing of this book?
Eric Graham: Our cartoon character Bobbee Bee "The Hater" was inspired by my brother's oldest son. In the early stages of developing the character, we watched his attitude and mannerisms as he entered the third grade. We observed how he handled homework, how he dealt with winning and losing in athletic competition, how hip-hop music and videos "shaped his perception of reality".
However, Bobbee Bee on a larger scale, is influenced heavily by popular culture and ESPN. He is humorously a combination of Terrell Owens (reason behind the #81jersey), Kobe Bryant (the purple and gold lakers shorts), Rasheed Wallace (the uncombed hair), and Allen Iverson (the question and the answer).
All of these athletes, oddly enough, have a connection to the city of Philadelphia, which ironically is called the "City of Brotherly Love".
2. Why the name Bobbee Bee?Eric Graham: "A good name is better than silver and gold." Our cartoon characters name is one of the many hidden secrets in our books that will be revealed slowly throughout the book series. It’s a very simple yet complex part of our characters psychological make up.
A name is very important to people of "color" because historically they have been victimized, robbed, and stripped of their cultural identity through slavery and colonization.
Our books explore this subject on an elementary level as our character BOBBEE BEE reveals that he HATES his name. Not only does he hate is name, he hates the "nickname" that all the children call him. Many children, in pre-school as well as elementary school also hate their names given to them by their parents. In an educational system that is rooted in "HATRED" sometimes our children are "labeled" simply by his or her name. It’s a fascinating concept to be explored.
A name is very important to people of "color" because historically they have been victimized, robbed, and stripped of their cultural identity through slavery and colonization.
Our books explore this subject on an elementary level as our character BOBBEE BEE reveals that he HATES his name. Not only does he hate is name, he hates the "nickname" that all the children call him. Many children, in pre-school as well as elementary school also hate their names given to them by their parents. In an educational system that is rooted in "HATRED" sometimes our children are "labeled" simply by his or her name. It’s a fascinating concept to be explored.
3. Did you think it would be controversial to attach "hater" to a child's name?
Eric Graham speaking: Oddly, in a capitalistic driven media, controversy sells! But all great leadership has been labeled or doomed controversial by the mainstream media. Even though controversial, H.A.T.E.R. is actually an acronym that stands for His Anger Teaches Everybody
Reality. Being a so-called "educator", who was raised off of HIP-HOP Music, I understood the importance and the power of slang amongst the youth.
In the spirit of Kujichagulia (self-determination), our youth, who have been deemed "powerless" have always tried to define themselves, name themselves, create themselves, and speak for themselves, instead of being defined, named, created for, and spoken for by others.
For instance the great TUPAC Shakur, cleverly created the term (THUG LIFE.) In the same
manner, our character Bobbee Bee "The Hater" utilizes the term *HATER* and gives an otherwise negative word a positive meaning.
This is a metaphysical principle! Out of chaos comes order! Out of darkness comes light. The Power of Transformation!So the attachment of the term Hater to children actually was designed purposefully to get the parents, the teachers, and school administrators to HATE our character BOBBEE BEE as well as our other characters even before reading the actual books. This is a true reflection of society in which our children are often pre-judged to be nothing but criminals
4. How is the book used therapeutically, and how successful is it in that capacity?
Reality. Being a so-called "educator", who was raised off of HIP-HOP Music, I understood the importance and the power of slang amongst the youth.In the spirit of Kujichagulia (self-determination), our youth, who have been deemed "powerless" have always tried to define themselves, name themselves, create themselves, and speak for themselves, instead of being defined, named, created for, and spoken for by others.
For instance the great TUPAC Shakur, cleverly created the term (THUG LIFE.) In the same
manner, our character Bobbee Bee "The Hater" utilizes the term *HATER* and gives an otherwise negative word a positive meaning.This is a metaphysical principle! Out of chaos comes order! Out of darkness comes light. The Power of Transformation!So the attachment of the term Hater to children actually was designed purposefully to get the parents, the teachers, and school administrators to HATE our character BOBBEE BEE as well as our other characters even before reading the actual books. This is a true reflection of society in which our children are often pre-judged to be nothing but criminals
Terrence Graham: The book is used therapeutically by addressing certain diagnosis (oppositional defiant disorder, adjustment disorder,generalized anxiety, depression and conduct disorder). The main character of the book, Bobbee Bee the Hater is a combination of all the diagnosis a practitioner may assess a specific child. Bobbee's anger throughout the book is usually a response to threat. The threat can be to one of the following 
things: his sense of self-worth, his core beliefs, his physical well being, or the well-being of someone else who he believes it is his role to protect.
The book has been successful to the latency and young adolescent population. Several charter schools and mental health agencies have used the book in character and team building as well as treatment for low self-esteem and anger management.
things: his sense of self-worth, his core beliefs, his physical well being, or the well-being of someone else who he believes it is his role to protect.The book has been successful to the latency and young adolescent population. Several charter schools and mental health agencies have used the book in character and team building as well as treatment for low self-esteem and anger management.
5. What particular literature mechanism in the book is designed to be therapeutic? Is the therapy just in the message, pacing of the book, language used, etc.
Terrence Graham: The book is therapeutic based on the age-appropriate drawing skills and the symbolism of images. The language of the book is written with specific therapeutic indicators: expressions of mood, psychological and behavioral problems, impairments, societal influence, traumatic events, and parental influences. The book is also an easy read for the children with specific learning problems.
6. Do all of your company's products come from a socially conscious perspective?
Eric Graham: Yes! All of our company products come with a "socially conscious" message. But it's really up to the readers to determine whether they feel it's "conscious" or not. Perception is reality! We hope our books will be read, debated, discussed, deciphered and even "hated" for that matter by parents, students and teachers alike.
7. What other projects do you have in the works?
Eric Graham: Currently, we have several speaking engagements and book signings prepared at local schools, where we actually dramatize the entire book allowing the children to dress up and play the roles of the characters highlighted in the books (a form of play therapy).
We also are preparing to release three other books in the series of "Bobbee The Hater" this year. The titles are Sad Day for Jose, A Diary of a Mad Child, and Hope Is Stronger
Than Hurricane. With the success of our first two books In the Mind of Bobee Bee and Larry Long Legs, the children have demanded that we produce a weekly comic strip featuring Bobbee Bee The Hater, which we will publish on the Internet before going to the local papers.Along with the books, tee-shirts, posters, and comic strips, we also have a series of workshops and presentations through my independent think-tank for parents, teachers, and teenagers. Some topics include:
1.Criminalogy: The Making of A Thug2.Father to Son: The Myth of An African-American Male3.Content Of My Character: Not the "Color of my Skin"4.Proper Education: A Poisonous By-Product5.Family: The Bond That Keeps Us Together
As you can see, we are very busy.
Thank you!!Bobbee Bee "The Hater"
For more information about the Graham brothers or their books and workshops contact them at lbiass34@yahoo.com
6. Do all of your company's products come from a socially conscious perspective?
Eric Graham: Yes! All of our company products come with a "socially conscious" message. But it's really up to the readers to determine whether they feel it's "conscious" or not. Perception is reality! We hope our books will be read, debated, discussed, deciphered and even "hated" for that matter by parents, students and teachers alike.
7. What other projects do you have in the works?
Eric Graham: Currently, we have several speaking engagements and book signings prepared at local schools, where we actually dramatize the entire book allowing the children to dress up and play the roles of the characters highlighted in the books (a form of play therapy).
We also are preparing to release three other books in the series of "Bobbee The Hater" this year. The titles are Sad Day for Jose, A Diary of a Mad Child, and Hope Is Stronger
Than Hurricane. With the success of our first two books In the Mind of Bobee Bee and Larry Long Legs, the children have demanded that we produce a weekly comic strip featuring Bobbee Bee The Hater, which we will publish on the Internet before going to the local papers.Along with the books, tee-shirts, posters, and comic strips, we also have a series of workshops and presentations through my independent think-tank for parents, teachers, and teenagers. Some topics include:1.Criminalogy: The Making of A Thug2.Father to Son: The Myth of An African-American Male3.Content Of My Character: Not the "Color of my Skin"4.Proper Education: A Poisonous By-Product5.Family: The Bond That Keeps Us Together
As you can see, we are very busy.
Thank you!!Bobbee Bee "The Hater"
For more information about the Graham brothers or their books and workshops contact them at lbiass34@yahoo.com
