This month in Memphis, TN, author Derrick Jakolby Washington (a.k.a. Uncle Kolby), will discuss his mission of inspiring youth advocacy and autism awareness through children’s books.
Washington’s inaugural work, Son, You Matter, was a #1 Best Seller on Amazon, and the author hopes to encourage young Black and Brown boys to unlock the greatness that is already within them. He considers himself a “people builder,” aiming to empower others with the skills needed to improve their quality of life and be successful.
Background
Driven by his extensive work in the area of Human and Social Services, Washington released his debut children’s book, Son, You Matter, in 2020. Created during the peak of the social justice movement surrounding the deaths of Eric Garner and Philando Castile, the book became a catalyst for dialogue within families that would touch on race, policing, and the father-son bond.
In the book, seven-year-old Ahmad idealizes his father and loves chocolate chip cookie-dough ice cream. On this special day, Ahmad is going for his favorite ice cream with his favorite person after school. But what seems like a normal day changes quickly into one that transforms the way Ahmad views his father, ice cream, and life—all in one moment.
An Autism awakening
Less than two years later, Washington published his second children’s book, A Special Little Girl, to shed light on autism. Described as “an affirmation of love and encouragement for his niece,” this book’s very personal story promises a heartfelt lesson for all readers while exploring the differences among us, empathy, and inclusion.
Washington’s niece Zyion was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain) at four years old. Six years later, he describes a recent trip home to visit, where he attended a gymnastics class with Zyion in which he witnessed the instructor reward every student in the class for doing a great job except his…
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