- Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
A1. Ice Brown is a stylist, street culture archivist, and creative entrepreneur based in Massachusetts. As the founder of HOUSE OF BLVCK ICE, she blends fashion, storytelling, and community to celebrate the power of style and culture. Ice is the creator of the beloved children’s book character Diamond Ice Minor, inspiring kids through stories rooted in dance, creativity, and real-life community events. My First Summer Jam Classic honors her hometown of Worcester, MA, and the spirit of youth sports, friendship, and local pride.
- What is the inspiration behind your book “My First Summer Jam Classic”
A2. Ice Brown was inspired to write My First Summer Jam Classic to capture the excitement, pride, and community spirit of Worcester’s beloved Summer Jam Classic event. Growing up around basketball culture alongside childhood friend and event founder Anthony Barbosa, she experienced firsthand the energy, camaraderie, and joy the game brings to the neighborhood. As a storyteller and cultural archivist, she wanted young readers—especially local kids—to see themselves, their city, and their traditions celebrated in a vibrant, lasting way. Through the joyful imagination of Diamond Ice Minor, the book preserves a real piece of Worcester’s history for future generations.
- When did you realize you want to be an author?
A3. Ice Brown never officially set out to “be an author.” She has always been open to storytelling, but creating a book was more about seeing an idea through to completion. It wasn’t until after writing My First Summer Jam Classic—and witnessing how it resonated with the city—that she realized the impact it could have. The Summer Jam Classic was already a local staple, but this book gave her a new way to educate and inspire kids beyond the classroom. Even now, calling herself an “author” feels a little strange, because growing up, that was never the plan. Then again anything she’s doing now was never the plan.
- Please tell us something about your book “My First Summer Jam Classic”
A4. My First Summer Jam Classic is a love letter to Worcester, featuring real people from our community—from childhood heroes to local businesses, friends, family, and staple spots in the city. Anthony Barbosa and I were practically raised by the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, so including people like Ike McBride, Shauree Allottey, to mentioning Carlos Garcia outside of the initial story brought back memories of our own wild, carefree days. More than that, it reminded us of the care, guidance, and encouragement they gave us—lessons that shaped the way we create and live today. Worcester is full of gems like them, people who inspire the next generation to stay true to themselves and create boldly.
- For which age group is your book “My First Summer Jam Classic” suitable for?
A5. Ages 5-10 but all ages are welcomed to enjoy. It’s meant to be applied through lineage, as parents and guardians can tell their own stories on top of what’s mentioned in the book.
- What is your favorite Quote?
A6. “No one can do what you do, how you do it, so you might as well create anyways” idk who and if anyone said that but it resonates so deeply.
- What do you like the most about your country?
A7 The rich innovation in the black and “street-cultured” community. Our creativity comes from such a raw place with so many different perspectives, views, and angles. The brainpower it takes to develop new cultures and still thrive is motivation to keep creating not nobly for myself but as proof it can be done.
- What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
A8. As a street dance and art educator, I’d say make reading fun and make it something you do together. Those shared moments are what kids will remember, and they’re what can turn them into lifelong, curious, and joy-filled learners. Kids learn best through play—so bring stories to life, laugh with them, and let books be an adventure you take side by side.
- What does literary success look like to you?
A9. It looks like fun.
It’s the excitement for words, pictures, and the story itself.
It’s seeing students fully engaged—wanting to participate, eager to learn more.
It’s hearing them ask challenging questions because the story sparked their thinking.
It’s when they return the next week to tell their educators about the book they read—and how now their friends want to read it too.
It’s watching them take pride in their own books and collections.
It’s no longer hiding intelligence or feeling shy about knowing the answer, but standing tall in it.
- Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
A10. It’s all the small, smiling, and curious faces who meet Diamond Ice Minor—the little ones I’ve been blessed to teach, who always end up teaching me something in return. It’s the community that continues to grow and adapt, making space for a new wave of thinkers and creatives. And it’s the little girl I once was, drawing Hip Hop idols for hours on the floor, who never gave up her creativity.
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