Spoken word has been around as long as there has been language. American spoken word poetry first originated during the Harlem Renaissance, and was greatly influenced by the poetry of many Harlem Renaissance poets, the Beat Generation, and Last Poets. And joining the ranks of critically acclaimed poems is YOU SO BLACk by Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. which has had viral success and is now released as a new children’s book.

Publisher Synopsis:

Based on Theresa Wilson’s (a.k.a. Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D.’s) beautiful, viral spoken word poem of the same name, You So Black is a picture book celebration of the richness, the nuance, and the joy of Blackness. Accompanied by powerful yet tender illustrations by award-winning illustrator London Ladd, Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. has adapted her poem, full of gorgeous lyricism and imagery, to show readers the love, joy, resilience, and universality in the beauty of Blackness.

Having the opportunity to ask Theresa a few questions about the release of her new book is such a treat and we are so excited to be one of the tour stop hosts for its pub week rollout. Below is our conversation. Enjoy!

L&L: The YOU SO BLACK poem landed on the scene with such a viral impact that your signature performances have inspired countless other artistic expressions and interpretations that have traveled worldwide, what is your vision of success now for the picture book? What does the next level of impact look like to you?

Theresa: My hope is that this picture book will be a staple literary text for children as an introduction to poetry. I hope it teaches the power of affirmation. I would love to stand in the echelons of writers like Maya Angelou. The next level of impact for You So Black looks like several translations of the book for children to enjoy it all across the globe!

L&L: Each medium or mode of storytelling has its pros and cons. What did you enjoy most about the process of converting the poem into a picture book format? What did you enjoy the least?

Theresa: I think I have most enjoyed my family‘s reaction to the illustrations of the book. Watching them relate to the images on each page, and recall personal memories that were revoked by what they had seen really gave me a deeper sense of how this book would resonate with all readers. For me what I have enjoyed least is waiting for the book to be published, fortunately the process has been very smooth and the book is available on January 10, 2023!

L&L: The illustrations from the book are so vivid and textured. What was the artistic process like working with London Ladd to bring the poem to the page in this way? Did you experience any challenges or creative difficulties during the process?

Theresa: I am so grateful to London Ladd and his artistic input into this book! He literally took the words from each page and crafted a masterpiece. I am in awe of how he captures the movement and vibrance of black culture and shares it in his illustrations. Working with him is easily one of the most pleasant collaborations I have ever experienced.

L&L: Which illustration is your favorite?

Theresa: My favorite page is the one that reads Black as me. Black is you. I have two little sisters that are identical twins. Every summer my mother would take us to the beach in Chicago and this picture reminds me of my sisters and those summers.