EP 56 – "Celebrating Caribbean Culture Through Storytelling" | Yolanda T. Marshall| Award-Winning Author and Columnist

In this episode of Let's Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas, Nicole sits down with award-winning, Guyanese-born, Bajan-heritage award-winning author and columnist Yolanda T. Marshall to explore the power of storytelling, the importance of representation in children's literature, and preserving Caribbean culture through books.Yolanda shares how writing poetry at just eight years old evolved into a career as the author of more than 20 children's books, inspired by her desire to create stories that reflected her son's Caribbean and East African heritage and the communities she loves.In This Episode, We Discuss:• Growing up between Guyana, Barbados, and Canada• The inspiration behind Commence First Carnival and A Piece of Black Cake for Santa• Balancing motherhood, work, and a prolific writing career• Why representation in children's books matters• Preserving Caribbean culture through storytelling• Creating opportunities for Caribbean and Black writers• Encouragement for aspiring writers to embrace their voices and share their storiesThis Episode Is For:• Writers and aspiring authors looking for encouragement to share their stories• Parents and educators who value diverse and inclusive children's literature• Anyone passionate about Caribbean culture, identity, and representation• Creatives balancing their passions alongside work and family responsibilities• Anyone who has ever wondered if their voice, story, or experiences truly matterMemorable Quotes"My son introduced me to who I was. He took a poet and made me write a picture book for him.""I didn't see myself in books growing up in the Caribbean—and I refused to let my son grow up with that same absence.""People think writing a children's book is easy because it's short. It's not.""I know what it's like to be excluded from platforms. That's why I'm intentional about creating space for other writers.""Don't ever count yourself out. This world has a billion people, and you have a book to sell.""Before the book is published, you are a writer. Act like it."Key Takeaway: Your story matters. There is room for your voice, and the stories we tell today become the legacy we leave for future generations.