One to Read:
Derrick Jakolby Washington
by Lindsey Giardino
Derrick Jakolby Washington never thought of becoming a writer.
“It wasn’t until the senseless killing of George Floyd that I, like many, sat and tried to reconcile my emotions,” he shares. “I began to think about what life could potentially look like in 20 years for my nephew, who had been born six months prior, and jotted my thoughts on paper. Those thoughts turned into a poem that I ended up reading to my sister the next day, and she urged me to turn it into a book.”
The rest is history.
That book, Son, You Matter!, was published in 2020 and tells the story of 7-year-old Ahmad—a boy who idealizes his father and loves chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. The story shifts when what seems like a normal day quickly turns into one that transforms his life.
“I wrote that book in two hours and released it within 30 days,” Washington says. “I often share with people that the journey to release Son, You Matter! was not the traditional writer’s process. I feel like everything just kind of fell into place, and that the timing was exactly right. It is one of my proudest achievements to date.”
Washington’s latest book, A Special Little Girl, is one that’s especially near and dear to him.
“It’s essentially an ode to my niece, Zyion,” he shares. “At around age 4, she was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Since then, I’ve watched her navigate through life as best as she can with joy and oh, so much love and laughter.”
Zyion is now 10, and on a recent trip home to visit her, Washington attended her gymnastics class. He noticed how the instructor gave praise to every student in the class except for his niece.
“While my niece needed a few extra instructions, she was able to complete every challenge given to her,” he explains. “This broke my heart. However, what really hurt was when we returned home, my niece, unable to articulate her emotions verbally, began to replay a cartoon that summed up how she felt. The cartoon essentially described how bad it felt to be left out because you’re different.”
Zyion played this clip on repeat, and it tore Washington up. So much so that he stayed up most of the night researching autism spectrum disorder, specifically in communities of color.
“I was appalled by the disparities in diagnoses and resources provided to children of color,” he says. “However, in that moment, I wanted to write an affirmation to my niece to encourage, uplift, and acknowledge my family’s love for her. From that affirmation, this book was birthed.”
A Special Little Girl was written to remind Washington’s niece and all children who learn differently that they are seen, valued, important, and loved.
In addition to his writing, Washington hosts a YouTube series called Storytime with Uncle Kolby, which promotes stories that foster diversity and the joy of reading. He’s also participating in a major tour that promotes Black authors and plans to launch Friends of Zyion—a nonprofit that will conduct research and provide resources for children of color diagnosed with autism or other neurodivergent disorders.
This organization will benefit from Washington’s background in social work. He holds a Master of Social Work from Howard University and has worked in the field for 16 years. It’s a field he feels “called to.”
Washington has worked extensively for the cause of creating equitable opportunities for low-income individuals in the workforce and education space. He currently serves as the executive director of a local nonprofit that leverages its space and tools to foster a sense of innovation, collaboration, and creativity for those within the surrounding communities.
Today, he does that through every facet of his life. “I’ve always had a passion for human service type work and knew I wanted to be side by side serving and supporting people to become their best selves.”
For more information about Derrick Jakolby Washington and his books, visit djakolbywashington.com.
