Journal of a Black Man is a lyrical exploration of Black identity in British Columbia, weaving together themes of love, faith, family, and resilience against systemic inequities. Why was this an important book for you to publish?

It was an important book for me to publish because Black people in Canada, especially in British Columbia, make up a very small proportion of the overall population. Therefore, I had to inform people about the things that we truly face. Visitors are often sold the glitz and glamor of the country, and while Canada is definitely beautiful, there are many dark moments. Also, there are a lot of things that I personally experienced, such as love. Overall, the start of the year had been tough for me, and I only made it through with family, faith, and resilience, which is why I highlighted those themes.

Many poems balance vulnerability with strength. How do you navigate writing about pain without letting it overshadow joy?

I navigated between the themes of joy and pain by understanding that there will be bright moments and there will be dark moments. Life isn’t perfect, but I know that I had to find a balance that I was truly happy with.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Some themes that were important to me in this book were migration, love, the nuclear family, faith, and resilience.

What do you hope readers carry with them after sitting with your words?

I hope that readers truly enjoy the book, but what I really want them to understand is that nothing is truly what it seems. Be careful with each opportunity.

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