Picture an American storyteller who weaves history, culture, and resilience into every page—meet Jabari Asim! Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1962, Asim is a literary chameleon, blending journalism, fiction, poetry, and children’s books to explore African American identity with wit and heart. From his gripping novel Yonder to his thought-provoking essays in We Can’t Breathe, Asim’s work invites readers to reflect on race, love, and the power of stories.
Now a professor at Emerson College, Asim’s journey from a curious kid to a literary luminary is as inspiring as his writing. With a knack for turning complex ideas into relatable narratives, he’s become a voice for justice and joy in modern literature.
The Making of Jabari Asim
Jabari Asim grew up in St. Louis, where books were his playground. An avid reader, he edited his high school newspaper at Southwest High School before heading to Northwestern University to study journalism. Though he left college just shy of graduation, Asim’s love for words never wavered. Back in St. Louis, he dove into retail and local theater, penning plays like Caribbean Beat and Peace, Dog. His big break came at The Washington Post, where he spent over a decade as an editor and columnist, sharpening his voice on culture and politics.
Asim’s early career wasn’t just about writing—it was about finding his place in a world that often overlooked Black stories. His time as editor-in-chief of the NAACP’s The Crisis magazine, founded by W.E.B. Du Bois, cemented his commitment to amplifying African American voices.
Jabari Asim’s Unforgettable Stories
Asim’s bibliography is a treasure trove of genres and themes. His novel Yonder (2022) is a lyrical masterpiece, painting a vivid portrait of enslaved people—whom Asim calls the “Stolen”—finding hope and love amidst brutality. Critics, including The New York Times, praised its fresh take on a familiar history. Only the Strong (2015) shifts gears to 1970s urban life, blending humor and heart in a nod to Chester Himes and Walter Mosley.
Nonfiction fans know Asim for The N Word: Who Can Say It, Who Shouldn’t, and Why (2007), a bold exploration of a racial slur’s history, and We Can’t Breathe: On Black Lives, White Lies, and the Art of Survival (2018), a PEN Award finalist that tackles Black resilience. For younger readers, Preaching to the Chickens (2016) brings young John Lewis’s story to life with warmth and charm. Asim’s style—poetic, honest, and infused with musicality—makes every work feel like a conversation with a wise friend.
Whether he’s writing essays, novels, or picture books, Asim’s themes of survival, identity, and justice resonate deeply. His ability to balance raw honesty with hope sets him apart in contemporary literature.
Why Jabari Asim Matters
Jabari Asim’s impact stretches beyond the page. As a professor and director of Emerson College’s MFA program, he mentors the next generation of writers, emphasizing narrative as resistance. His work challenges readers to confront America’s past while celebrating Black joy and strength. Awards like the Guggenheim Fellowship and NAACP Image Award nominations underscore his influence, but it’s his ability to make history feel personal that truly shines.
From sparking debates on race to inspiring kids with stories of heroes like John Lewis, Asim’s legacy is one of courage and connection. He reminds us that stories can heal, provoke, and unite.
- Born: August 11, 1962, St. Louis, Missouri
- Key Works: Yonder, The N Word, We Can’t Breathe, Preaching to the Chickens
- Awards: Guggenheim Fellowship (2009), PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award Finalist (2018)
- Current Role: Professor and MFA Program Director at Emerson College
Ready to dive into a world of powerful storytelling? Snag Yonder or Preaching to the Chickens and let Jabari Asim’s vibrant prose sweep you away!