Meet Rae Chesny, an accomplished author, Johns Hopkins University Literary consultant, and Zora Neale Hurston scholar. With a deep passion for Hurston’s work, Chesny dedicates her time to researching, writing, and presenting the life and legacy of this influential author. Her multifaceted tribute to Zora Neale Hurston spans various creative mediums, including keynote speaking, children’s book authorship, and poetry.
While working to share the legacy of Zora Neale Hurston, Rae is equally passionate about empowering children to tell their stories. In 2017, she created the Junior Storyteller Program to mentor historically underrepresented children through programming that gives them the opportunity to become published authors. Rae has been featured in American Black Journal, Michigan Chronicle, Black Enterprise, and several radio shows. Rae serves the Zora Neale Hurston Trust as the resident scholar and hosts for their new It’s All About Zora! series.
Please enjoy our interview!
What was the inspiration behind the work you do?
Rae: My biggest inspiration in my work is crafting deep connection for those I serve through storytelling. No matter if I am sharing the life of Zora Neale Hurston with audiences of all ages or reading one of my books to them, my goal is for it to be a meaningful experience. I believe that fostering connection that is meaningful to the individual is what catalyzes true learning, which leads to real change.
In fact, this aim started for me when I first became a children’s author back in 2015. I was doing one of my very first author visits for a Metro Detroit school. A young Black boy was adamant that I couldn’t have written the books I was reading to his class because, in his words, “all authors are old white men with glasses.” A lightbulb went off in my mind at that moment. I had assumed that what would be most meaningful for my elementary school audience was the book. But instead, I realized that a big part of the experience was having someone who looked like them read the book, a book that they had written. This new knowledge became a big part of my speaker model, which I use even as a Zora Neale Hurston Scholar. I never do rehearsed talks. Instead, I approach it as a conversation asking the audience what they already know about Zora and what they want to know about her. I even start small talk before my program starts. This allows me to use those tidbits to connect stories from Zora’s life to the audience members. I have had a lot of great feedback using this method and it’s all thanks to that little brave boy nearly a decade ago.
Who is your business role model? Why?
Rae: I am a big fan of women who are bold enough to swing big, even if it seems as though they can’t be successful based on lack of credentials or status when they get started. Of course, the big names such as Ava DuVernay and Issa Rae are at the top of my list because of their commitment to their visions no matter the odds. But I am also really finding inspiration in those making a way in my own circle and a little bit beyond it. For instance, Trelani Michelle of Krak Teet is a huge inspiration to me. Watching how dedicated she is to upholding oral tradition, honoring the elders, and artfully showcasing so many facets of Black culture including dialect is inspiring. She is so reminiscent of Zora Neale Hurston. I am lucky to even get to see some of her work processes behind the scenes as a friend. Sometimes we even strategize together to support each other’s endeavors. Issa Rae once talked about the importance of collaborating with your peers and networking with them. I believe it is also valuable to find inspiration in them and see them as role models too.
What do you define as success?
Rae: I define success as a life of fulfillment derived from doing what compels us. That is heightened by being compelled while showing up in a way that is uniquely authentic to who we are at the deepest level. I found my purpose years ago, but that was just the first step. I even won awards for living in my purpose and it was enjoyable. But when I found the thing that I couldn’t stop doing even when I tried, no matter the sacrifices, success shifted from external measures to intrinsic ones. I feel incredibly blessed to do what compels me daily. I feel even more grateful to do it my way.
In Conclusion
Rae Chesny’s multifaceted tribute to Zora Neale Hurston exemplifies her deep admiration and reverence for the influential author. As a keynote speaker, children’s book author, and poet, Chesny uses her various creative outlets to celebrate Hurston’s legacy and engage audiences of all ages. Through her work, Chesny not only educates and entertains but also empowers others to embrace their own unique voices and make a lasting impact on the world around them.
Keep up to date: Visit www.raechesny.com. For Zora’s Garden and Junior Storyteller, visit www.juniorstoryteller.com.
Connect with Rae on Instagram @raechesny and Facebook: Rae Chesny