Storytelling has always been at the heart of Black American culture and life. Through song, poetry, dance, and prose, we’ve told the world who we are—unapologetically. We’ve preserved our history, honored our ancestors, and built bridges to the future. It’s an act of resistance, of survival, and of celebration.

⁣⁣“There is an eerie, sometimes pathetic, ofttimes beautiful urge that prevails in Black American lore, lyrics, and literature.  The impulse, simply put, is to tell the story… to tell one’s own story… as one has known it, and lived it, and even died it.” — Maya Angelou, Foreword to Dust Tracks on a Road (aff link).

This quote from Maya Angelou captures the essence of why I wrote Soul School.

Soul School Takes Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture.

When I look at my children, I feel the weight of this storytelling tradition. I want them to know the richness of their heritage—not just the struggles but also the joy, the innovation, and the brilliance of Black culture. I want them to understand the roots of the music they love, the resilience in the stories they hear, and the beauty in the traditions we pass down.

But more than anything, I want them to tell their own stories. To live fully in the richness of their identity and add their voices to the chorus of Black voices that have come before them.

Soul School was born from this desire. It’s a book that invites families to journey through the heart of Black American culture, exploring the stories, music, and art that have shaped our community. It’s a celebration of who we are, a reminder of where we’ve been, and a call to carry our legacy forward.

Dr. Angelou’s words remind me that the impulse to tell our stories is both beautiful and necessary. It’s how we remember, how we heal, and how we inspire the next generation to keep telling the story—honestly, boldly, and joyfully.

If you’re reading this, I invite you to reflect on your own story. How will you tell it? And how will you ensure the stories of those who came before you live on? Soul School is my small contribution to this beautiful, ongoing legacy of storytelling. Let’s keep the story alive.

—

Have you read Soul School yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts and how the book has inspired conversations about Black culture in your home. Share below!