Black History Month Author Spotlight: Keisha Green
Autherine Publishing is committed to creating more diversity in the publishing industry by supporting both emerging and established authors. In honor of Black History Month, we are amplifying the voices of black authors by featuring 28 emerging authors. Please read their stories and continue to follow their writing journey.
Keisha, congratulations on becoming a published author! Please introduce your book to our audience.
My book is a children’s picture book that highlights the joys and pains that coexist in a black family when they’ve been impacted by racism. His Name Was Quincy is a great book that allows parents and educators to engage with children around topics of racism, stereotypes, implicit biases and a call for social justice. It reminds us of the importance of telling our own narrative. Here’s a synopsis of the story: Quincy, in his younger brother's eye is a hero. So when Quincy is tragically killed his younger brother is shocked at the way the media describes him... as a 𝐓𝐇𝐔𝐆. Tyrique opens the world's eyes to how he viewed his brother and helps the world to 𝐒𝐀𝐘 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄.
Why was it important for you to write this story?
It was important to write my story for two reasons. One because of the racial reckoning that took place directly following George Floyd’s murder. I stopped to think what kind of world do we live where someone would think that was ok to do without any remorse in fact felt emboldened and empowered to do so. What kind of world do we live where people would victim blame the person murdered. What kind of world do we live in that would use someone’s pass to vindicate his murder. It was important to write my story to show how the media is used to gaslight harmful stereotypes of BIPOC which dehumanizes them making it more palatable more excusable for the world to digest even as man sits for an extended period of time with his knee on the neck of another as he takes his dying breath. The second is because I’m an educator. As an educator I am well aware of the lack of materials that touch on relevant issues that are children face especially when dealing with racism. Also the fact that there are so few books for children that highlight BIPOC in a positive way. In the past few years there has been an increase but we need more books featuring people of color. Lastly we need books featuring people of color written by people of color.
Describe your writing process or writing schedule.
I wrote this book in the span of a day. It just came to me and it flowed quickly and nicely. I had a clear vision of the artwork that I wanted to accompany the text. I reached out to an illustrator friend of mine and he put the pictures together. I had such an urgency to get my book out that I decided to self publish my book. I hired a self publishing coach to mentor/coach me through the process and the rest is HISTORY. I’m big on the concept of village and village energy so I created my publishing company for now that helps to mentor and coach aspiring authors through the process. In the future, I hope to actually publish books for others.
Who is your favorite black author and how has that author inspired your writing journey?
Wow they’re so many. I think I first fell in love with reading after reading Mildred D. Taylor’s book Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. I remember it as clear as yesterday. I was in 6th grade when I first read it. It was my first time reading a book with characters that looked like me. I enjoyed reading the story and learning about the past and the hardships they faced. I felt such a strong connection to that text.
Share a quote from your book or your favorite black history quote.
My favorite black history quote, There is no history without Black History. ~Keisha Green. Now I swear it’s my own but I’m sure someone has said the same or something similar along the lines.
What words of advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Do it! If God has blessed you with a story, don’t deny the world your gift. There’s an amazing audience waiting to be touched by your story.
Continue to follow Keisha’s journey on her Website and on Instagram. Her book is available for purchase here.
Autherine Publishing is an independent, minority-owned publisher that specializes in books and educational materials that are culturally diverse with a preference for books that teach and inspire (self-help, memoirs, poetry, life and business instructional). EXPLORE OUR SERVICES. We are also the parent company of the Island Mindful Path, which publishes inspirational courses and products. We can help with all of your publishing needs including, book coaching, idea development, manuscript editing, cover design, production, book promotion and ghostwriting. We are committed to transforming your story into your legacy! Contact us if you have additional questions. Follow on Instagram.
