Son You Matter!

Description

The story is told through the eyes of 7-year old Ahmad who witnesses his father being unjustly detained by a police officer.  The reader journeys along with Ahmad into the numerous emotions that accompany him as his father shows him in real-time how to respond to that moment.

It’s no coincidence Washington’s first book release comes as the nation collectively observers the tenuous relationship between law enforcement and families of color. “I wrote this book to be a voice to what’s happening but to also provide inspiration, to uplift and encourage whoever is reading,” says Washington. 

The father-son relationship is the book’s central story, but Washington says the book has a relevant message for mothers raising sons, educators of all kinds, and families looking to diversify the characters their children read about. According to Washington,  with so many voices that negatively label young Black and Brown boys, “Son, You Matter,” serves “to remind young boys that no matter what society says, they cannot be robbed of their greatness” Charlotte, NC based visual and graphic design artist India Sheana lends her talents to illustrate the story.

Derrick Washington is an innovative, insightful and ambitious nonprofit executive with over 12 years of local government, higher education, and nonprofit leadership. He considers himself to be a “people builder,” aiming to empower others with the skills needed to improve their quality of life and be successful. As the author of his inaugural work, “Son, You Matter,” Washington hopes to encourage young Black and Brown boys to unlock the greatness that already lies within.