As Black History Month unfolds, it serves as both a celebration and a reflection and a time to honor the past while looking toward the future. For Melrick Steele, a self-taught artist and first-time author from Palos Hills, this month carries a deeper meaning.
His debut book, With All My Might, is more than just a story, it’s a message of peace, unity, and the power of representation. In it, he introduces readers to Captain MindRight, a young Black hero on a mission to spread peace across the world. Co-written with his son in 2022, the book is a testament to the importance of passing down wisdom and empowering young minds.
“The main character was inspired by my son and his younger appearance,” Steele said. “The writing process was about finding harmony in life, piecing together different points to make sense of the world.”
His son, Melijah, was humbled to be a part of his father’s vision.
“I think it’s really cool that he decided to base the book off of me and my life,” Melijah, 15, said.
On Feb. 13, Steele shared his story with local children during a special storytime at the Chicago Ridge Public Library, 10400 S. Oxford. The event gave young readers the opportunity to hear directly from the author and engage in a discussion about the book’s themes.
“What I like most about the book is that it teaches social values and morals,” said Salimah Boufath, Youth Services Librarian at the Chicago Ridge Public Library. “I think it inspired children to help others in need and to help resolve conflicts amongst one another. It also addressed the harmful effects of racial profiling, which is not mentioned commonly in many children’s books. This book delivers its morals in a unique, heroic way that kids will find entertaining.”
Steele, who was born and raised in Chicago, embraces creativity in many forms, from tattooing and painting to storytelling. His experience at Roosevelt University, where he studied art, helped shape his perspective, but his passion for expression has always been self-driven.
Self-published in 2023 through Amazon KDP, With All My Might aims to resonate with readers by tackling daily dilemmas and offering resolutions through its characters. “I feel others can embody a peaceful sense of humanity once reading our book,” Steele explained. “It’s about understanding challenges and finding ways to overcome them.”
For Steele, visiting the library was not just an opportunity to share his work, but also to engage with young readers in a meaningful way.
“Having author visits in the library is a great way to promote local authors in the community and helps them to be recognized and appreciated for their creative work,” Boufath said.
As Black History Month continues, Steele hopes his work contributes to the ongoing dialogue about representation in literature and shaping narratives and ensuring young readers see themselves reflected in positive, powerful roles.
“This is my first book, but it won’t be my last,” Steele said. “I’m a family-oriented person, and I want to keep creating stories that inspire.”
His journey as an author aligns with the broader history of Black History Month itself – a time dedicated to honoring the contributions of authors, artists, and activists who have helped shape culture and history. Just as Carter G. Woodson envisioned when he established a week of observance in 1926, which later expanded into a month-long celebration, Steele’s work adds another important chapter to that ongoing story.
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