George Cephas Ford: A Brooklyn Storybook Legacy Opens a New Chapter at Downstate

By Office of Communications & Marketing | Aug 27, 2026

One hundred years ago, when George Cephas Ford was born in Brooklyn, Black illustrators had few opportunities in children’s publishing, and Black children rarely saw themselves, their families, or their communities reflected in books.

Mr. Ford helped change that.

On August 18, Downstate celebrated the remarkable artist and storyteller with a 100th birthday celebration and the dedication of the George Cephas Ford Children’s Reading Corner in the Child Life Center.

Mr. Ford, who turned 100 on August 3, was joined by his daughter-in-law, Tara, his granddaughter, Orian, Downstate leaders and employees, and several young guests. The memorable afternoon ended with birthday cake, ice cream, and cookies decorated with the cover of one of his books.

Over a career spanning more than five decades, Mr. Ford illustrated more than 130 children’s books, helping generations of Black children find themselves in the stories they read.

“Your work has given generations of children something that belongs to every child of the freedom to open a book, enter another world, and imagine what is possible,” President Wayne J. Riley, M.D., told Mr. Ford.

Raised in Brownsville, Mr. Ford discovered books, music, and art at the Stone Avenue branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. He later built an influential career in children’s publishing, illustrating books including Freddy Found a Frog, The Story of Ruby Bridges, Bright Eyes, Brown Skin, Paul Robeson, and Ray Charles. His work on Ray Charles, written by Sharon Bell Mathis, earned him the inaugural Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award in 1974.

Dr. Ernest Garnier, Director of Ambulatory Internal Medicine, first brought Mr. Ford’s story to Downstate’s attention. He has also been Mr. Ford’s physician for more than 25 years. During his introduction, Dr. Garnier spoke proudly about the discipline, curiosity, and respect for young readers that shaped Mr. Ford’s work. He also joked that Mr. Ford’s medical visits frequently become lively conversations about history and politics.

Dr. Balavenkatesh Kanna, Chief Executive Officer of University Hospital at Downstate, and Dr. Christina Guillen, Interim Chair of Pediatrics, reflected on the comfort books can bring to children receiving medical care and the importance of seeing themselves represented in those stories.

“Representation tells a child that he or she is important and belongs,” said Dr. Guillen. “We want every child we serve to know that their possibilities extend far beyond the walls of a hospital.”

Dr. Riley formally dedicated the Reading Corner as a permanent home for Mr. Ford’s legacy at Downstate. A photograph and plaque honoring him mark the welcoming space, where young patients can settle into a chair, choose a book, laugh, explore, and let their imaginations travel while they receive care.

The celebration was made possible with support from Lisa Smith and the Child Life Center team; Denise John, Staff Assistant in Transplant Services; and Kevin Ng, General Manager, and Team Sodexo, whose generosity helped make an already special day literally even sweeter.

A century after Mr. Ford’s story began in Brooklyn, his work opens a new chapter for children at Downstate, giving them room to read, heal, and dream close to home.

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Tags: Pediatrics, Downstate Health