Your next book, How to Win When S— Happens, seems to have a larger scope in its intended audience. What accounted for this shift?
The second book became bigger than just women. It was birthed during the pandemic, and everybody needed to feel a sense of focus and direction. But when I held workshops on the book, I definitely focused on women because the struggle of being a Black woman is the struggle that I can relate to. I think you can help other people and other communities better when you understand the struggle within yourself.
Can you name three Black women who shaped your journey into becoming the person you are today?
The first, I think, would have to be my mother. She’s the strongest woman — the strongest person I know. My mother reminds me of a quote by Malcolm X, “by any means necessary,” because she provided by any means necessary. The second, I’d say, is Cicely Tyson. Two years ago, I interviewed her and she imparted to me the wisdom of self-love and I don’t think I’ll ever forget what she said to me. And then also Ava DuVernay, because I admire her tenacity to share a message that she feels is important.
Editor’s note: Writer Stone Mims and Christal Jordan are mother and son.
