MILWAUKEE — This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the author of a new children’s book, Dear Black Girl: I See You.
“Being able to use this month to really drive home the point that our stories matter,” said author Ebony Haynes. “Highlighting Black women and Black girls does not diminish anyone else but just allows us to understand how valuable we are. So it means a lot to me.”
Milwaukee author Ebony Haynes shared that her book is dedicated to Black girls, “offering them affirming messages of visibility, love, and self-worth.”
“I know that my purpose is to impact youth, families, and communities,” said Haynes. “Just to know that I don’t physically have to be somewhere for my words or just the message to change someone’s life or the way they see themselves. It makes me feel like I’m living in my purpose.”
Haynes said her journey to becoming an author came naturally.
“I started as a writer at about 10 years old,” said Ebony Haynes. “That’s when I remember writing things that actually made sense.”
Haynes has since developed a career and a passion for youth development work. She’s a youth pastor at Evolve Church, CEO and founder of E Inspires LLC, and, of course, an author.
Watch how a Milwaukee author is inspiring Black girls through her book:
Haynes tells TMJ4’s Sydni Eure it’s a privilege to see her words impact people, and she’s dedicated to creating positive change.
“You are loved, you are chosen, you are worthy,” said Haynes. “Not because of anything you’ve done, but just because of who you are.”
Haynes said her book is “designed to be a tool for both personal and communal growth.” She shared some of the tools—or themes, in this case—that she loves writing about most.
“My favorite is unconditional love,” said Haynes. “You don’t have to do anything to be loved; you were born loved. So often, especially for Black and Brown women and girls, we are raised to think that our productivity equals our value. So to just be reminded that even when you’re not producing, not doing anything, even when you’re not feeling your greatest... you are still valued.”
Haynes said she also loves to inspire boldness and bravery in young girls.
“So often our confidence is diminished,” said Haynes. “Being able to reiterate the power in our confidence, the power in standing firm in who you are and what you believe.”
Dear Black Girl: I See You is Haynes’ second book. Her first, Dear Black Boy, It’s Okay to Cry, was released five years ago.
“My first book was written as a love letter to my cousin who died by suicide,” said Haynes. “I really recognized that there was power in our stories and in our voices. I just knew that there was a story that needed to be told around mental health and wellness.”
Haynes said stories that uplift and authentically represent diverse communities are needed now more than ever. You can find a link to purchase Dear Black Girl: I See You and Dear Black Boy: I See You at Ebony Haynes' website here.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
