Prominent African American author Jason Reynolds spoke to the Sage Hill community about the importance and nuances of sharing diverse stories that reflect lived experiences during a Sage Center Speaker Series event on Jan. 14.
A New York Times bestseller and National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Reynolds has experienced and shared these stories in his work. Books such as “Look Both Ways,” “Miles Morales” and “Long Way Down” are among Reynolds’ most acclaimed works, exploring themes of grief, coming of age and community.
Reynolds shared about growing up in a colorful community with a loving family in the 1980s but, ultimately, had very limited options. He explained how he did not enjoy reading as a kid as he did not see himself or other children of color in books, which made it difficult for him to appreciate reading. Reynolds became deeply connected with rap music and poetry, allowing him to express and process his emotions through writing.
Reynolds explained how his experiences embracing his own identity, both difficult and positive, allow him to explore his vulnerabilities through his work. He described how identities should always feel slightly messy— their past, current and future are broad and diverse.
It is within these complexities, he explained, where identities are formed. Reynolds added that while there are many shared connections within a communal space, there are also parts of identities that are unique to a person.
“If not, we run out of stories. All of us would have told all the tales,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds explained how there are certain experiences, social movements and emotions that can seem hard to connect to when reading. However, he described, people need to change, grow and bring themselves to the story in order to discover something meaningful and draw connections to parts of their lives.
“I want you to read my books and say ‘He can say the complicated things. He trusts us to wrestle with the complexities of our lives and our identities,’” Reynolds said.
Reynolds finished with explaining the importance of staying connected to a broader community, one where people are more alike than different.
“No matter how exceptional you become, never exceptionalize yourself. The kid around the corner who doesn’t have these opportunities is just as smart and talented. Don’t forget about them,” he said.
“Jason Reynolds’ experiences and talk deeply impacted the way I think about my identity and the importance of doing the right thing, even with the possibility of consequences,” sophomore Sarina Haque said.
