This week’s episode features Renée Watson, #1 New York Times Bestselling author, educator, and community activist. With a focus on Black youth and particularly Black girls, Renée’s poetry and fiction explores themes of home, identity, and the intersections of race, class, and gender. Her children’s books and novels for teens have received international recognition and awards, including the Coretta Scott King Award and the Newbery Honor. 

 

Renée most recently co-authored the children’s adaptation of Nikole Hannah-Jones’ Pulitzer Prize-winning 1619 Project, titled The 1619 Project: Born on the Water. 

 

Listen as we discuss Renée’s journey to becoming a writer, including how a school assignment led to her first published novel portraying the experiences of Black youth during Hurricane Katrina, and how her upcoming book, Maya’s Song, was an opportunity to honor one of the biggest influences on her career, Maya Angelou. We also discuss the importance of Black writers staying true to their vision and continuing to tell our stories, even amid legislation and national movements that seek to limit their ability to do so.  

 

To learn more about Renée’s work visit: www.reneewatson.net

 

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