أن تكون شابًا، موهوبًا، وأسود البشرة

“This exceptional book, written with a mother’s love for her seven creative children, tenderly presents deep and authentic insights that enrich our culture. I feel like I have become wiser after reading it. » Bernardine Evaristo When Kadiatou Kanneh-Masson’s eldest daughter, Isata, made her solo debut at the BBC Proms in 2023, she couldn’t have been prouder. Watching years of hard work turn into an extraordinary performance has been extremely moving, both for her as a music lover and as a mother. All her emotions were crushed when her youngest daughter turned to her in tears a few days later, after reading online abuse against her sister. She was told that Isata did not deserve to be there. How do you prepare your child for the reality that no matter how talented, skilled or dedicated he is, he will be told he doesn't belong here? Through conversations with her exceptionally talented family, Kanye-Mason explores what it's like to come of age in these turbulent times, where Black artistic self-expression is often met with disdain and online abuse—and offers a powerful, hopeful way out.