This chapter explores the speaker's upbringing in a military family and the challenges that arose from parental absence, while highlighting their resilience through personal anecdotes. It delves into their journey from martial arts to yoga, the influence of music and literature on their creativity, and their experiences living in diverse communities. The speaker also reflects on overcoming doubt from educators and the importance of pursuing their passion for writing despite challenges in their academic journey.
Named one of TIME magazine’s “100 Innovators for the Next New Wave,” Suzan-Lori Parks is the first African American woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Topdog/Underdog. She joins to discuss her long and illustrious career as a playwright, musician, and novelist.