Meet the Storyteller: Dr. Tonya Leslie
How did you become interested in this line of work? (tell us a little bit about your background)
I think about stories a lot. I am a children’s book author and I also facilitate conversations around race and equity. Much of this work is really about story–reflecting on the stories we’ve been told and, when necessary, interrupting those stories with new ways of thinking. When I write stories for children, I try to share new ways of thinking about topics they may be familiar with–or I actively interrupt old ideas.
For example, I recently wrote a book about Rosa Parks and I wanted to interrupt the idea that she was just a woman who was tired one day and sat down on a bus. That’s not true. She was a trained community organizer. She knew exactly what she was doing. She sat down to take a stand. There was nothing passive about it.
Please share a wellness tip or word of advice that relates to the workshop you will be presenting.
Interrogate your stories. Some of the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves aren’t true. In fact, I would say those are some of the harshest stories we tell. Cultivate a voice of empathy for yourself. Cultivate forgiveness for yourself. Center yourself as the hero of your own story.
What or who inspires you? (This could be anything from your mentor to your favorite quote)
I recently wrote a book about John Lewis. I always knew who he was, but as I researched his story I became so inspired. This was a man of strength and determination and so much love for his fellow humans. When I feel like I am losing hope, I think about him and the “good trouble” he got in and how that helped to change the world.
What personal or professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being able to facilitate conversations because I think that work changes hearts and minds. When I go into these conversations and people open up, share new ideas and new ways of thinking, I feel happy and hopeful.

Dr. Tonya Leslie, is an educational researcher who studies literacy and educational equity. She is the co-owner of “We Need 2 Talk LLC” a company that facilitates critical conversations about race. MORE
DON’T MISS:
Color Full Story Telling Series
Thursday, February 25, 2021, 7:00 – 8:30 pm EST
MORE INFO | REGISTER NOW
More from the blog
Meet the Teacher: Leonard George
February 26, 2021/by Lesley RodriguezResources to Stay Informed and Engaged Beyond Black History Month
February 25, 2021/by Lesley RodriguezMeet the Storyteller: Nneka Carr
February 22, 2021/by Lesley RodriguezHow Our Thoughts of Anxiety Affect Our Brain: Taking Charge of Our Power to Think
February 21, 2021/by Lesley RodriguezThe Transforming Power of Yogic Meditation & Practice
February 20, 2021/by Lesley RodriguezIt’s Not Your Job to Take on the World’s Pain
February 20, 2021/by Lesley RodriguezKeeping the Memory Alive Through Song and Story
February 18, 2021/by Lesley RodriguezMeet the Storyteller: Dr. Flora Luyando
February 17, 2021/by Lesley RodriguezMeet the Storyteller: Dr. Tonya Leslie
February 17, 2021/by Lesley RodriguezMeet the Storyteller: James Roberts
February 17, 2021/by Lesley RodriguezAlua Arthur – End of Life Support and Planning
February 16, 2021/by Lesley RodriguezSpring Equinox – Annual Celebration of the Rebirth of the Earth
February 12, 2021/by Editor 5GET ON THE LIST
Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with the latest news and program updates from The Open Center.