Whether spoken, written, or thought of, words are compelling and powerful. Their impact immeasurable, they can be wielded to encourage and dishearten, heal and hurt, build and ruin, educate and misinform, and more. So, it is no surprise why books, in particular, are held in such high regard and considered as a medium not only for imparting knowledge but also for inspiring change and making a difference in the lives of others. From the get-go, Yecheilyah Ysrayl has known the extent to which words—in whatever form they come—can matter. Armed with this knowledge, she has made it her mission to string words into insight-rich pieces that would shed light on Black history.
The mind behind several poems as well as books in several genres, Yecheilyah Ysrayl originally hails from the south side of Chicago. She has been writing since she was twelve years old and began to introduce her works to the public in 2010. Now a resident of Dallas, the purpose-driven author, blogger, and poet studied Technical and Professional Writing at Chicago State University and Psychology at Argosy University.
In the years since she first dipped her toes in the writing industry, Yecheilyah Ysrayl has banked on her intimate awareness of the realities of life and capitalized on her experiences to talk about what needs to be said. This historical fiction, inspirational non-fiction, and urban fantasy author spent the first nine years of her life navigating the challenging waters of The Robert Taylor Projects. Apart from opening her eyes to how poverty can hinder people from maximizing their potential and living their best lives, growing up in that environment also triggered a boatload of thoughts.
“For a person like me, it sparked a curiosity about why Black people have suffered in a way so set apart from all other people,” shared Yecheilyah Ysrayl.
By immersing herself in the Bible and Black literature, she came to realize the answers to some of her long-held questions—answers that she now shares as an author behind books that seek to promote understanding and raise awareness about the predicaments that the Black community have faced and are still contending with during the present times.
As a writer, Yecheilyah Ysrayl is known for her distinctive approach toward spinning knowledge into literature that focuses on the restoration of Black historical truth. At the heart of her work is not only an emphasis on the social forces that have caged the Black community but also a consideration of the spiritual nuances.
“Black history is also spiritual. Despite the countless mention of them throughout the annals of history, America still does not want to admit that the so-called Black, African American, and Negro shares the same blood as the prophets of old. America does not want to acknowledge that the same people it has hung from its trees, drowned in its rivers, and unleashed its dogs are the same people who parted seas and performed miracles,” she added.
In the years to come, Yecheilyah Ysrayl is expected to remain a strong voice in the industry. Fueled by the hopes of giving a spotlight on Black people’s experiences, she will continue to use the age-old medium of penning words into paper.
Learn more about Yecheilyah Ysrayl by visiting her website and checking out her Instagram page.
