There's so much talk of representation in politics and entertainment - it's everywhere - but I didn't realize representation was important until really my senior year of high school.
Tomi AdeyemiRead
For readers of color, and especially black readers, black girls, I just want them to feel seen. And not just seen - I want them to feel epic and know that they are epic.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of representation and empowerment for black readers, especially young black girls.
Tomi Adeyemi's quote speaks to the vital need for readers of color, particularly black girls, to see themselves reflected in literature. It goes beyond mere visibility; it strives to instill a sense of greatness and potential in them, encouraging them to recognize their uniqueness and brilliance in a world that often marginalizes their identities.
In practice
A speech at a literary festival celebrating diversity in children's literature.
There's so much talk of representation in politics and entertainment - it's everywhere - but I didn't realize representation was important until really my senior year of high school.
I want a little black girl to pick up my book one day and see herself as the star. I want her to know that she's beautiful, and she matters, and she can have a crazy, magical adventure even if an ignorant part of the world tells her she can never be Hermione Granger.
You're never wasting your time as long as you learn from every single thing you do, whether you feel like those attempts are successful or not.
The power of fantasy is that you can make people understand the deeper realities of our world in a way that they wouldn't normally be able to because of all the things in our world that closes them off.
I had a lot of different reasons for writing the book, but at its core was the desire to write for black teenage girls growing up reading books they were absent from. That was my experience as a child. 'Children of Blood and Bone' is a chance to address that. To say you are seen.
What's demanded from us black creatives is both a blessing and a curse, because it pushes you to be your absolute best. You cannot be anything less.
We must not lose hope. Hope is an anchor to the souls of men. Satan would have us cast away that anchor. In this way he can bring discouragement and surrender. But we must not lose hope. The Lord is pleased with every effort, even the tiny, daily ones in which we strive to be more like Him. Though we may see that we have far to go on the road to perfection, we must not give up hope.
No one else can feel it for you_x000D_ Only you can let it in_x000D_ No one else, no one else_x000D_ Can speak the words on your lips_x000D_ Drench yourself in words unspoken_x000D_ Live your life with arms wide open_x000D_ Today is where your book begins_x000D_ The rest is still unwritten.
I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.
May joy and good fellowship reign, and in this manner, may the Olympic Torch pursue its way through ages, increasing friendly understanding among nations, for the good of a humanity always more enthusiastic, more courageous and more pure.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
My father once told me when I was a young girl that I was destined to do great things. His belief in my abilities and ambition is rooted deeply in the spirit of Malawians; resilient and determined for a better Malawi and a better Africa.
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