There's so much talk of representation in politics and entertainment - it's everywhere - but I didn't realize representation was important until really my senior year of high school.
Tomi AdeyemiRead
For readers of color, and especially black readers, black girls, I just want them to feel seen. And not just seen - I want them to feel epic and know that they are epic.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of representation and empowerment for black readers, especially young black girls.
Tomi Adeyemi's quote speaks to the vital need for readers of color, particularly black girls, to see themselves reflected in literature. It goes beyond mere visibility; it strives to instill a sense of greatness and potential in them, encouraging them to recognize their uniqueness and brilliance in a world that often marginalizes their identities.
Themes
RepresentationEmpowermentBlack GirlsLiteratureVisibility
In practice
Example use cases
A speech at a literary festival celebrating diversity in children's literature.
More from Tomi Adeyemi
All quotes →I want a little black girl to pick up my book one day and see herself as the star. I want her to know that she's beautiful, and she matters, and she can have a crazy, magical adventure even if an ignorant part of the world tells her she can never be Hermione Granger.
Tomi AdeyemiRead
You're never wasting your time as long as you learn from every single thing you do, whether you feel like those attempts are successful or not.
Tomi AdeyemiRead
The power of fantasy is that you can make people understand the deeper realities of our world in a way that they wouldn't normally be able to because of all the things in our world that closes them off.
Tomi AdeyemiRead
I had a lot of different reasons for writing the book, but at its core was the desire to write for black teenage girls growing up reading books they were absent from. That was my experience as a child. 'Children of Blood and Bone' is a chance to address that. To say you are seen.
Tomi AdeyemiRead
What's demanded from us black creatives is both a blessing and a curse, because it pushes you to be your absolute best. You cannot be anything less.
Tomi AdeyemiRead
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