Life Doesn't Frighten Me

"Jamia: I still read Life Doesn’t Frighten Me often. I thought of this book while we were working on Basquiat and Angelou’s profiles for Young, Gifted and Black because both of them influenced me as a creative person — even though I never met them. When I was a child, my mom always described me as an old soul who was “born 35.” I always wanted to be told the truth, to sit at the adult table, and to watch CNN with the grown-ups. To hear the real story and not the watered down one. I loved being a kid, but I wanted to get to know the meaning of wisdom and I had a sense early on that it wouldn’t always look pretty or feel like fun. “The message I took from it when I was a kid was that I should trust my instincts, acknowledge my fears, look them in the eye, and keep running towards the light anyway” Of the book, Maya Angelou said it was “for all children who whistle in the dark and who refuse to admit that they’re frightened out of their wits.” When I first read Life Doesn’t Frighten Me as a pre-teen , I was drawn to the quirky merging of art and poetry from two great black artists with a strong point of view and voice. Both were fearless about owning their distinct voices and shining a light on the shadows we grapple with in the world and within ourselves. The message I took from it when I was a kid was that I should trust my instincts, acknowledge my fears, look them in the eye, and keep running towards the light anyway – just like Maya Angelou and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Jamia: They are for all children – for people who may not be black but have black people in their lives. We created our book to help all children learn how these great luminaries have contributed to history. Children don’t necessarily learn about these individuals at school, nor do they see their life stories in films or on TV – their stories have too often been pushed to the margins. I fully believe in the transformative power of books to inspire people to speak up against bullies whether they are on the playground or in the White House. Our stories matter and sharing our stories can inspire others to make change in the world. All too often, we receive cultural, social, and political messages that tell us that our value is based on our ability or inability to fit into a narrow ideal rather than our ability to lead, teach, transform and ignite social change. Because past generations were bold enough and brave enough to express themselves – in spite of grave obstacles – I’m able to show up with more resilience because they provided the roadmap. Sign up here for our newsletter featuring the best children’s and young adult books, as recommended by authors, teachers, librarians and, of course, kids. When I think of that history and how my ancestors before me paved the way for my story, I am reminded to love and cherish my entire self and my voice and to protect and defend it with sacred ferocity. I want this for our children. Andrea: I believe that reading or hearing stories about others who shine despite setbacks or fears is inspiring and encouraging. Most importantly I believe it is valuable to see that there are many versions of success, many different paths to get there and that each journey is unique and special. My hope is that young people will be inspired to overcome obstacles that may come as they pursue their dreams and that by seeing so many options for dreams that they remember they can define for themselves who they choose to be. This interview was published on February 7th, 2018"