Today we’d like to introduce you to Kingsley Osei.
Hi Kingsley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Thanks for having me on Voyage ATL. Well, where do I start? I am a 37-year-old New Yorker, born, raised, and currently residing in the Boogie Down Bronx! I am of Ghanaian descent. Both parents migrated here in the late 1970s to make a better life for themselves and my two older sisters and me. They wanted a boy so badly, so they kept trying and trying, and here I am. I am an author of two critically acclaimed children’s books, “Young Kap” and “Sweet Rosa.” I am currently an elementary school teacher, too.
I have been teaching for the last eight years, and I can say, being a teacher has been a blessing. Of course, it has its challenges, but I’d like to give all praise to my late teacher Mr. Smith (my first African American male elementary teacher) who made a huge impact in my life and inspired me to get into the education field. Another thing I am equally passionate about is writing. It has always been a passion for me, especially as a youngster. I’d like to credit my mom for being the one who not only introduced me to a plethora of books but was also responsible for my creative side regarding my love for writing at an early age.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Well, in life there are always some challenges that may steer you off the road. I’d say, regarding my writing of books, it hasn’t always been easy. From the numerous no’s I’ve heard along the way from previous publishers to the task of getting a children’s book out, it can be stressful, to say the least. With a strong support system, both with family and friends, it can be relieving at times. Family is incredibly important in my eyes, and my late father was one person who always pushed me to go for my dreams – no matter what they were. Also, I’d like to thank an old friend of mine – Francois Wilson – who I’ve known since I was a teenager and believed in me and published both of my books. I’d like to thank him for seeing the vision, something others didn’t quite see in the past, and sticking with me throughout this process.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am extremely passionate about teaching, which I’ve done for the last eight years. Most of my experience lies within the first grade and a few years teaching second grade. I am equally as passionate about writing, too, as it has been a dream of mine since a young age to become an author. Being a teacher of predominantly black and brown students, I would say, pushes me not only as an educator but also as an author and writer. As a teacher of color, we have the power to help our students in every way, assisting them to remain on the right path by pushing them academically. All of this so they can avoid the all-so-familiar prison pipeline. We have the power to be role models and to change that narrative. That is the most gratifying feeling as well from a teacher standpoint, however, we must never give up on our students. Never! So, things like the importance of education will play a major role in some of the future books and how it’s the key to achieving your goals and dreams.
In hindsight, I want all of my young readers to know that education is crucial to staying on the right path. Although my first few books have not touched on this per se, my main goal with both titles was for readers to have a sense of belonging. So, in my books, especially with the focus on prominent figures like Rosa Parks and Colin Kaepernick, I wanted representation to matter. I wanted them to see that anything is possible (despite your color) and never stand down in the face of fear; the only way is up and standing up for your rights and having a voice. I am extremely proud of both these books, both winning numerous book awards this year, and possibly even some more come next year.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Writing has always been a dream of mine since I was a youngster. Not only would I like to thank my cheerleaders, who are my very own parents, but God bless my first and second-grade teacher, Ms. Cass, who helped me hone my craft at such a young age. At that tender age, writing and creating stories was something I always wanted to do – that or become a teacher. But, there are many people I’d like to say played a major role along the way, too, such as my mom, who introduced me to lots of poetry and writing at a young age, or my elementary school teachers as a whole. Mostly I’d like to thank my high school teacher, Mr. Whiting, and one of my creative writing professors for sparking the flame within me and giving me that confidence to even think about making books.
Huge thanks to my publisher Francois Wilson, who has been a dear friend of mine since high school, because without him, all this wouldn’t be possible. I would say, especially with all this, it is truly great that I get an opportunity to create these characters from scratch and formulate their beginnings and endings in whatever manner I wanted it to go. The power in doing so was a gratifying feeling and it still is. So, to see this dream all play out – it has been truly amazing. Lastly, thanks to my girl and the countless people – colleagues and friends – who have all supported me by purchasing my books and going hard for me. Also, thanks to all of the awards and publications (Story Monsters Ink especially) who’ve praised my work and provided this recognition of my children’s books. I am forever grateful and humbled.
Contact Info:
- Email: kingoseipr@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.koseiofficial.shop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingsleyosei12
