Uchendu, Briana Mukodiri: - Briana Mukodiri Uchendu, recent recipient of the John Steptoe New Talent Award, is an illustrator, visual development artist, and first-generation Nigerian American. She is the illustrator of multiple picture books including The Talk by Alicia D. Williams, which received a Coretta Scott King Author Honor. Her work is inspired by her interests in folklore, film, and animation and her passion to highlight voices that usually go unheard.