49. Empowering Communities Through Storytelling: A Conversation with Alyssa Reynoso-Morris

What if the stories we tell could reshape our understanding of the world and our place within it? Award-winning children's book author Alyssa Reynoso-Morris joins us to discuss the transformative power of storytelling, particularly within Black, brown, and Afro-Latinx communities. Through her journey, we gain insights into the challenges faced by diverse voices in the publishing industry and how effectively reaching diverse audiences can create a more inclusive narrative landscape. Alyssa shares how her storytelling is inspired by her abuela, whose tales of joy, love, and resistance are a testament to the healing power of authentic narratives.

Storytelling isn't just a means of expression; it's a crucial tool for empowerment, education, and connection. Alyssa emphasizes the importance of cultural representation and personal storytelling, highlighting how these narratives shape our identities and connect us to our ancestors. We explore the role of creativity and entrepreneurship in passing down legacies through generations, underscoring how stories can inspire change and foster a deeper understanding of our cultural heritage. From fiction to nonfiction, we examine how stories convey profound truths and empower communities to challenge exclusionary narratives.

In an era where authoritarian influences loom large, the role of storytelling becomes even more vital. Through anecdotes and cultural lenses, like the significance of food and critical thinking, we discuss how storytelling helps maintain control over our narratives and fosters community pride. Alyssa's experiences demonstrate how children can be encouraged to take pride in their heritage and think critically about the world around them. Join us as we celebrate the joy and resilience of living with cultural pride, advocating for empathy, unity, and the importance of remembering and sharing our hidden histories.

How to connect with Alyssa and her resources:

Alyssa's Website: alyssaauthor.com

Resources to help you on your publishing journey 

Books

• Platanos are Love is a picture book about how plantains shape Latinx culture, community, & family, told through a young girl’s experiences in the kitchen with her abuela.
• Los plátanos son amor (Spanish)
• The Bronx Is My Home is a LOVE letter to The Bronx! A picture book celebration of the history, landscape, cuisines, cultures, and activities unique to this vibrant community.
• Gloriana Presente: A First Day of School Book is a joyful story of growth that will help new students find their voice with themes around overcoming fears, love & immigration.
• Gloriana, presente. De República Dominicana al Bronx (Spanish)
• Bold, Brilliant and Latine Meet 52 Latine and Hispanic Heroes from Past and Present

<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3

Want more episodes and exclusive content? Sign up for our paid subscription on substack.

Visit us at www.imnotyelling.co

We welcome constructive feedback and topic ideas, so please shoot us an email at www.imnotyelling.co/contact-us.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoy the show please follow, rate, and review.

Get full access to I'm Not Yelling! I'm Dominican. at .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}