Featured Interview With Dr. Artika R. Tyner
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a civil rights attorney, educator, and writer.
I was raised in Rondo, a historically African American community. I still live in my community. I work diligently to preserve our cultural heritage and celebrate our roots.
I do not have any pets but one day I will buy a horse.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I realized a fascination with books at a very young age. My earliest memories are reading books with my mother and reciting scriptures with my grandmother. My grandmother also taught me how to read hymnals since she was a gospel singer.
I always wrote short stories and poetry. This is how I reflected on the world around me. It was also a tool for unleashing my imagination. I became a published author in 2015 with the release: “The Lawyer as Leader: How to Plant People and Grow Justice.”
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors to read are: W.E.B. Dubois, Carter G. Woodson, Bryan Stevenson, bell hooks, and Toni Morrison. My favorite genre to read is biographies. My favorite biography is: Groundwork: Charles Hamilton Houston and the Struggle for Civil Rights. I am inspired by Dr. Carter G. Woodson who committed his life’s work to celebrating Black history and culture.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is: The Courageous Six Triple Eight: The All-Black Female Battalion of World War II
When the United States entered World War II, it had to face its own contradictions at home. Opportunities opened up for Black people and women in support of the war effort. But ideas about race and gender didn’t change as swiftly. Read the story of the first all-Black battalion in the Women’s Army Corps–the Six Triple Eight–and its leader, Major Charity Adams. These women bravely confronted the racism and sexism they experienced. And they did it while creating a system to make sure millions of letters and packages got to soldiers fighting in Europe. From the Women Warriors of World War II graphic novel series, this inspiring story will introduce readers to heroes who were victorious in more ways than one.
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Dr. Artika R. Tyner Facebook Page