Black Boy Joy Author Spotlight: Fatmata Jalloh
This week, we are spotlighting Fatmata Jalloh, author of My Beautiful Son, to talk about the power of representation, raising joyful Black boys, and the moment a baby shower book sparked a lifelong mission.
Inspired by her own son, Fatmata shares how intentional storytelling can plant seeds of self-worth, pride, and possibility from the very beginning. For her, Black boy joy is about freedom! The freedom to feel, to dream, to be fully and unapologetically yourself.
What inspired you to center a Black boy as the protagonist in your book, and what do you hope young readers take away from his story?
Oh, that’s easy—my beautiful, precious son was the inspiration! I hope young readers see themselves reflected in the story, which can be deeply validating.More than that, I want them to know that playfulness, joy, and curiosity aren’t extras—they’re essential. And most importantly, I want them to feel limitless—to know that who they are is already full of magic, possibility, and power.
Representation matters especially for Black boys. Can you share a moment when you first realized the importance of that representation in your own life or writing?
Growing up, I didn’t have much exposure to children’s books. But everything shifted during my baby shower. I felt this deep, almost urgent need to make books a part of my child’s life. So I asked each guest to bring a children’s book to help build my baby’s first library. One of those books was Full, Full, Full of Love by Trish Cooke—and I was immediately captivated. Seeing a warm, loving Black family on the page felt like coming home to something I hadn’t even realized I was missing.
That moment planted a seed. When my son was born, that seed grew. I became intentional about finding books that would affirm who he is—books where he could see himself celebrated and seen. That’s when I found Brown Boy Joy. I remember literally snapping my fingers as I read it—it spoke directly to my heart. And when I discovered it was written by a Black indie author, it lit a fire in me.
That book didn’t just entertain my son—it inspired me. It sent me down a path of discovering, appreciating, and advocating for children’s books that center joy, pride, and authenticity in Black children. That journey began with a simple baby shower request, but it has since grown into a passion—because our kids deserve to see themselves as the heroes, the dreamers, and the light in every story.
As a mom and author, how do you balance showing the joy and magic of Black boyhood while also addressing the challenges they face?
Right now, while my son is still young, my focus is on filling him up—with love, confidence, and the unwavering belief that he is brilliant, beautiful, and limitless. Because once he knows that deep in his bones, no one can take it from him.
As a mother, my job is to plant the roots of joy and worthiness. As an author, my work is to help create stories that water those roots—not just for my son, but for every Black boy who deserves to see himself reflected in joy, magic, and possibility.
What does "Black Boy Joy" mean to you personally, and how is that reflected in your character or story?
To me, Black Boy Joy means freedom—the freedom to be fully, unapologetically yourself. It’s the kind of joy that comes from within, from knowing you are worthy of love, happiness, and belonging, no matter the space you’re in. It’s not just about smiling; it’s about being seen and celebrated, exactly as you are.
In my book, I wanted to plant that seed early. I speak to preschoolers, but the message reaches beyond their age: you can be whoever you want to be. Hold onto that light, that playfulness, that sense of wonder—because growing up doesn’t mean you have to grow away from your joy.
What advice would you give to parents, educators, or caregivers looking to support and uplift the voices of young Black boys through books?
Be intentional—not just about what books you choose, but who they come from. Representation isn’t just about the illustrations; it’s about the voice behind the story. Look for books written by authors with lived experience or a deep, authentic connection to the culture they’re writing about.
Don’t be swayed by a brown-skinned character on the cover—ask yourself: Is this book truly affirming Black boys? Or is it quietly reinforcing stereotypes? The stories we share with our children should celebrate their full humanity—their joy, their curiosity, their brilliance.
When we uplift books that speak truthfully and joyfully to the Black boy experience, we aren’t just telling better stories—we’re shaping a better future.
Learn more and keep up with Fatmata on social media @sajs.bookcorner and check out her website to purchase her Children's book: www.fatmatajallohbooks.com