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Photo by Derrick Dean Photography
Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. is the author of the new children's picture book You So Black. A poet, motivational speaker, and vocalist, she lives in Atlanta.
Q: What inspired you to write You So Black?
A: You So Black was inspired from my hopes to instill people of color with
self-love while disarming ideas meant to demean us. I want us to feel empowered
in our culture, contributions, and experiences.
Q: What do you think London Ladd’s illustrations add to the book?
A: London Ladd’s illustrations bring color and movement that matches the vibrance
of the text. Every depiction is filled with detail and depth that makes it easy
for the reader to linger over each page and see themselves within the artwork.
Q: The book is based on your spoken word poem--how did this
book come about?
A: The coming together of this children’s book is the work of editor
Denene Millner. She believed that my poem would do well with young readers and
she truly had a vision for how to bring this book into fruition. I am so
grateful for her guidance over this process.
Q: What do you hope people take away from the book?
A: I hope that after finishing You So Black readers feel that they
are valuable and know that their lives, their being brings light to the
world.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I am currently working on a new children’s book that is also being expanded
into a scripted series, as well as touring across the country as a poet,
motivational speaker, and vocalist.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I would like to thank London Ladd and Denene Millner for all of their hard
work in bringing this book into the hands of young people. Thank you
tremendously for the opportunity to talk about my book!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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