AAB Author Interviews

Summary

In this interview, authors Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely discuss their collaboration on the book *All American Boys*, which addresses systemic racism and police brutality. The conversation covers their emotional responses to events like the George Zimmerman verdict and Ferguson, as well as the importance of white individuals engaging in discussions about privilege and racism. Both authors share personal stories that influenced their perspectives, including Reynolds' experiences with police brutality and Kiely's reflections on white privilege, and their shared goal of fostering honest national conversations on race.

Takeaways

• 📖 The book was co-written by two authors, providing dual perspectives through the characters Sivir and Quinn.
• 📅 The inspiration for the book stemmed from real-life events, including the George Zimmerman verdict and the Ferguson protests.
• 🤝 The authors' partnership was motivated by their shared frustration over racial injustice and the need for a collaborative, honest discussion.
• 🗣️ The book was born out of their deeper, uncomfortable conversations about racism, privilege, and responsibility.
• 👨‍🏫 Brendan emphasizes the need for white people to engage in discussions about whiteness and the long-standing impact of white privilege.
• 📚 Brendan dedicated his half of the book to organizers and educators who helped him understand white privilege and its effects on society.
• 👮‍♂️ Jason relates to Rashad, the character in the book, having experienced similar family dynamics and police brutality in his own life.
• 🚓 Jason shared a personal experience of being unfairly treated by police, describing the emotional and psychological trauma of such incidents.
• 🔍 Brendan acknowledges his white privilege, citing examples like being let off with a warning after speeding, while others face harsher consequences.
• 📢 The authors hope their book sparks honest conversations about racial injustice, encouraging white people to actively engage in dismantling systemic racism.

Q & A

How did the idea for the book originate?

The idea originated during a book tour where Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely were discussing the George Zimmerman verdict. The ongoing incidents of racial injustice, including the Mike Brown case, led them to deeper, uncomfortable conversations that eventually inspired the book.

Why was it important for the authors to co-write the book?

Brendan felt it would be inappropriate to write the book on his own, given its focus on racial injustice. Co-writing allowed them to model the dialogue they wanted to see across the country, especially between people from different racial backgrounds.

What role did the authors' personal experiences play in shaping the book?

Jason drew on his personal experiences with police brutality and growing up in a similar environment as Rashad, the character in the book. Brendan brought insights from his work as an educator and his reflections on white privilege.

How did the authors approach discussing white privilege in the book?

Brendan wanted to take responsibility as a white person by acknowledging and discussing white privilege. He emphasized that the problem of racial injustice isn't just a Black American issue, but also involves white people confronting their own privilege.

What uncomfortable conversations did the authors have while writing the book?

They discussed topics like racial profiling, discrimination, and how privilege affects different communities. Jason and Brendan explored these issues honestly, recognizing the need to confront uncomfortable truths.

How does Jason relate to the character Rashad in the book?

Jason relates to Rashad's upbringing, family dynamics, and experiences with police brutality. He drew from his own personal encounters with law enforcement and those of his friends when developing Rashad's story.

How does police brutality impact communities beyond the physical acts?

Jason emphasized that police brutality is not just a physical act but also involves psychological and emotional brutalization, creating a lasting impact on Black communities across the country.

How did Brendan’s upbringing influence his involvement in the book?

Brendan noted that his upbringing didn’t include direct conversations about race or whiteness, but his experiences as an educator and learning from organizers taught him about white privilege and its legacy, motivating him to address these issues.

Why did Brendan feel a responsibility to speak up about racial injustice?

Brendan felt that as a white person, he had a responsibility not to ignore racial injustice. He wanted to engage in public conversations, particularly with white audiences, to address these issues openly.

What do the authors hope readers will take away from the book?

The authors hope the book sparks honest dialogue about racial injustice, privilege, and the responsibility of both white and Black communities to confront these issues. They want to encourage deeper conversations across racial lines.