Interior Book Design; Marketing Collateral; Project Management
Fatherless Child
Poetry/Spoken Word, 2022
Cover Art provided by Abraham Ali
I sat with Abraham, a community member who frequented the shop, around the tree slab that served as a center table. The afternoon sun was peering in while we were having a conversation about life. He began to share some of his spoken word pieces and chills crawled across my arms, a deep, warm knowing vibrating within—these were words that I needed to hear in that exact moment.
He then shared that he had been trying to publish a book for years, but explained some of the obstacles he faced as someone with ADHD and dyslexia. I listened and understood the accessible workflow he needed: more hands-on and in-person. I had skills to help, and because his words had resonated so deeply with me, I offered assistance.
It became a beautiful journey we embarked on together—editing his pieces, designing the book centering dyslexic and low-vision readers, and going through the self-publishing process—in making his first book a reality.
Later, I received a video from Abraham via text: the box-opening of the first print run. We both shared in celebratory excitement and kicked off his birthday with family and friends at his book launch and performance. It was amazing to be a part of the journey and to witness and celebrate with community his accomplishment. I am grateful to have been able to help bring this collection of powerful words into his, and the world's, hands.
About this book:
Words of wisdom by Abraham Ali. These spoken words are a short introduction into the life and journey of Ali. A young Black man striving to be free and define his identity in this negativity. This is my therapy. My art for life contribution to the human family are the words that empower me to see my true destiny. Hopefully, they will help to guide you through the darkness that the mind must navigate through to ultimately find and define you.
