In this module of my the Cashmere and Collard Greens Winter 2026 Syllabus Series, I’m joined by writer and journalist Jessica Carmichael, author of The Full Picture, for a conversation about how art shapes our imagination and expands what feels possible in our lives!

We talk about growing up without seeing yourself reflected in books, the power of finally encountering stories that feel familiar and affirming, and how fiction, in particular, can widen our capacity for empathy, self-discovery, and connection. Jessica shares the personal experiences that inspired her debut novel, including her first trip to Ghana as an adult and the longing that followed to find more stories rooted in return, grief, self-discovery, and diasporic life!

To engage with the full module, visit the following link: