Real life incidents ‘touched the soul’ of Cornwall author
As an educator with over 20 years of experience working in New York City, Keisha Green often thinks about the importance of identity and representation, especially in children of color. When she began noticing bookshelves void of texts which portray children of color and those which deal with real life situations and experiences, Green decided to write her own.
Last month, Green published her first book titled “His Name Was Quincy.” Quincy, in his younger brother’s eyes, is a hero, but when Quincy is tragically killed, his younger brother is shocked at the way the media describes him… as a thug. Tyrique then opens the world’s eyes to how he viewed his brother and helps the world to “Say his name.”
Green, a wife and mother of three, moved to Cornwall two years ago. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in interdisciplinary studies and two Master’s Degrees in literacy and school supervision and administration. She’s currently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy in government and educational policies.
As a committed educator with the New York City Department of Education, Green has worked as a teacher, literacy coach, and is now an assistant principal in the Bronx, all at the elementary school level. Green recently became a motivational speaker, but to date has only done three speaking engagements.
Now as an author, “I am fiercely committed to improving our world by educating and leading in a way that disrupts and dismantles systems of oppression and policies in education that continue to marginalize people and communities of color,” said Green.
It was a Tuesday in May when Green was watching the George Floyd incident play out on the television. Floyd was killed in the process of being arrested on May 25. Shortly thereafter, Green went on social media and started writing. The story was written within a day.
“I felt compelled to write a story that speaks of black families, black family values, and the pain and hurt that families endure when they’re portrayed negatively by the media.”
Keisha Green
Although “His Name Was Quincy” isn’t based on any real life moment for Green’s family, some characteristics of her kids do make it into the narrative. For example, one of the characters plays lacrosse, as did the Green children for many years. The youngest loves macaroni and cheese and in the book, Quincy makes the meal for his brother.
“It’s based on everything that’s been going on since COVID started – the racial reckoning and awakening that was happening,” Green said.
“I felt compelled to write a story that speaks of black families, black family values, and the pain and hurt that families endure when they’re portrayed negatively by the media. Especially after a traumatic loss. The George Floyd incident really spoke to my soul. After going on social media and seeing comments being made, basically victim blaming and validating this incident, I felt the story needed to be told.”
Although there are two sides to every story, Green was only hearing the negative. It made her think about her own children and what would happen if her 25-year-old was killed.
“The world doesn’t know who my son is, but to think that could happen to him and to hear people not know the true story behind who he is, I felt I had to write something similar to that.
“It’s important not to make quick calls to people’s character without knowing both sides of the story. It’s important all sides of a story get told so there is not a great fear or some form of gaslighting that makes it acceptable when a person of color is killed.”
Green hopes those who read the book gain an appreciation and understanding for diverse cultures and races.
“I’m hoping they get an understanding that black families hurt when their children are killed. It’s hurtful when they see their family members portrayed negatively.”
The book may have been written in a day, but it saw many revisions before it saw publication several months later. Green sought out a friend to contribute illustrations and another helped her self-publish the book.
“His Name Was Quincy” can be purchased online through Amazon or Barnes & Noble, or through Green’s website at jdxpublishingcompanyllc.com. Any purchases made through the website will include an autographed copy of the book, as well as some extra goodies in a keepsake box.
Green is currently considering writing a follow-up book which focuses on the children who suffer the loss of a sibling.
“Oftentimes our children come to school with a lot of trauma. We see it play out in the building, but oftentimes teachers are not psychologists, social workers, or psychiatrists. They’re not understanding where the behavior, anger, or resentment is coming from. I want to talk about how the younger brother Tyrique has suffered this great loss and how his trauma plays out in school.”
