WHO AM I? Jason Reynolds

By

Ginaya Donnette

Award winning author Jason Reynolds (IG @ Jasonreynolds83) writes books based on the lives of black youth and this fall he made a stop in Cleveland.  I went to hear him at the Shaker Heights High School discussing his book "All American Boys" with his co author Brendan Kiely.  They engaged Shaker students at the event who had read the book and asked insightful questions about race relations.  "All American Boys" follows the alternate view points of two teens one black and one white as they navigate police brutality and violence. 

The authors take away stereotypes and force you to see yourself in the characters.  Some of Reynolds comments on racial identity resonated with me.  From the words of his mom, "racism has always been here in America but now everyone wants to talk about it because it is knocking at their door. "  Reynolds went on to say that claiming to be a color blind society has negative affects on the current racial divide.  It means that we don't see each other.  Our goal shouldn't be to become a white-washed blended society but instead to celebrate our diversity and take steps to openly learn about other cultures.  Hear hear Jason! Thanks for using your art to give our youth a voice and for knocking at the door.