In this episode, Dario sits with writer and MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellow, Jacqueline Woodson. Woodson’s work reflects the prose, poetry, and undying possibilities that exist within the lives of young Black people. Often including themes that land her books on censored reading lists, Woodson challenges readers to consider our own relationships to the complexities and contraindications of life. 

In today’s conversation, we’ll explore themes of parenting in a pandemic, the techniques and tools of a storyteller, Black economic wealth across generations, and the promise of safety young people bring to this world. If you aspire to write or we know you dare to dream, light a candle and put on your headphones, because today, you’re gonna hear why Woodson commands these hallowed halls of Black imagination. 

Things We Mentioned: 

“Mirrors, Windows, Sliding Glass Doors” by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop         

“Another Brooklyn” by Jacqueline Woodson 

If you come softly by Jacqueline Woodson https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/299792/if-you-come-softly-by-jacqueline-woodson/

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/97395/bird-by-bird-by-anne-lamott/

Natalie Diaz 

https://www.nataliegermainediaz.com/

The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/190696/the-warmth-of-other-suns-by-isabel-wilkerson/

Baldwin for the arts

https://baldwinforthearts.org/ 

To learn more about Jacqueline:

https://www.jacquelinewoodson.com/

Instagram @jaqueline_woodson

Twitter @jackiewoodson