Renee Watson is an award-winning African-American author, poet, educator, and community activist from Portland, Oregon.
She is best known for her young adult novels, which explore race, identity, and family issues.
Watson grew up in a creative household where she was encouraged to express herself through art and writing
Early Life
Watson was born in Paterson, New Jersey, on July 29, 1978. However, her parents got divorced, and she had to move, so she grew up in northeast Portland, Oregon.
In Portland, Oregon, she completed her school and college education. Watson attended Vernon Elementary School, Binnsmead Middle School, and Jefferson High School – all in Portland.
While she wanted to become a lawyer in middle school, Watson’s career path took a turn, and her love for writing dominated the choice.
After graduating from college, she worked as a teaching artist in New York City. It was in New York where she formally started pursuing writing. In 2005, she attended a private research University – The New School – to study creative writing and art therapy.
Growing up in a creative household, Watson was always encouraged to express her ideas through art and writing. Being an active and vocal member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, she recited poetry on holidays and special occasions.
She admired poetry from a young age and read the work of poets like Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes.
Writing
Watson has been involved with writing ever since she was in the second grade.
At seven years of age, she wrote a 21-page story, and her teacher’s response was: “I think you’re going to be a writer one day!” And she was right. Watson has been writing ever since: poetry, plays, and books.
She published her debut children’s book – A Place Where Hurricanes Happen – on June 22, 2010, as part of her nonprofit work after Hurricane Katrina. Then, she published her second book, Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills, on 2012 October 23. This book got her recognition in the form of multiple accolades and nominations.
She also wrote the following young adult novels:
This Side of Home, 2015
Piecing Me Together, 2017
Watch Us Rise, 2019
Moreover, Watson wrote many poems for her books and for others. She collaborated with Rethinking Schools and published the poem Black Like Me. Her poetry also appeared in the Theatre Of The Mind and With Hearts Ablaze.
Teaching
Did we mention that Watson was a teaching artist before becoming a writer? Surprised, right? She indeed spent 20 years teaching poetry and theatre before becoming a novelist.
She collaborated with various organizations to carry out poetry and artistry workshops at different schools. She taught writing, poetry, and theater classes all over the US.
Watson is a celebrated member of the Dream Yard, a youth educational nonprofit based out of Bronx. There she taught poetry and led theatre workshops to help children handle their traumas from natural disasters, accidents, or sexual assaults.
Similarly, Watson worked with underprivileged youth as a Writer in residence at a Portland-based nonprofit named Schools and Self Enhancement Inc.
She also actively leads professional development workshops for teachers and adult artists.
Founding A Non-Profit – I, Too, Art Collective
When Watson moved to her beloved New York City and curiously explored Harlem landmarks, she was saddened to see that the former home of her favorite poet (Langston Hughes) was not open to the general public.
Soon, she got concerned that the home might lose its historical value to gentrification. So, she acted out of worry and genuine love and contacted the current owner to share her vision to open the house to the public.
The owner agreed on the condition that Watson should manage to lease the building. To everybody’s surprise, Watson started a fundraiser, “Langstons’ Legacy,” and successfully raised the required sum of money in 30 days.
She then founded a nonprofit at Langston Hughes house and named it “I, Too, Arts Collective” after the poet’s famous poem, “I, Too.” The nonprofit’s board unanimously decided that the house would never be turned into a museum but would be a creative space for the Harlem community.
The space opened to the public in 2017 and offered creative arts programs such as poetry workshops and drum classes for children and adults. Plus, they host various literary events like book talks, readings, and book launch parties.
Sadly, the nonprofit could not come to a new lease agreement with the building owner, and the “I, Too, Arts Collective” closed its operations on November 4, 2019.
Watson had initially planned to raise sufficient money to pay off the full price of the building. She wished to offer fellowship for out-of-town artists to stay in the building and conduct creative workshops in return.
Alas! Her dream couldn’t be fulfilled, but this did not stop her from producing notable writing works or imparting invaluable knowledge as a trainer.
Acclamation/Awards
Besides much-deserved fame and recognition for her efforts, Renee Watson bagged two highly reputable awards in 2018.
Both awards came for her sensational young adult novel, Piecing Me Together.
Notable Works
In total, Watson wrote the following:
She also contributed her writing to a few poems and books by other writers.
However, her most notable works are:
A Place Where Hurricane Happen, 2010
This was Watson’s first picture book and was inspired by her work with students who had experienced Hurricane Katrina. The book follows four kids who talk about life before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina.
She originally wrote it as a creative writing assignment at The New School but was encouraged to publish it by her professor.
Piecing Me Together, 2017
https://raisingblackkidstobeavidreaders.com/product/piecing-me-together/
Published by Bloomsbury, this was Watson’s second young adult novel. It features the story of a poor African-American teenager named Jade. Jade resides at a predominantly white Portland, Oregon, high school and struggles with the prejudice of the people surrounding her.
The novel debuted at number nine on the New York Times young adult hardcover bestseller list on March 18, 2018. It also received many starred reviews, won the Coretta Scott King Author Award, and was a Newbery Honor Book.
The real motivation to write this book came from Watson’s relationships with the black women she knew growing up. Plus, she was moved by a 2014 NAACP report that revealed the struggles of African-American girls.
What Does She Currently Do?
Currently, Watson is an official member of the Academy of American Poets’ Education Advisory Currently, Watson is an official member of the Academy of American Poets’ Education Advisory Council and the Council of Writers for the National Writing Project. She is also a writer-in-residence at The Solstice Low-Residency Creative Writing Program of Pine Manor College.
She uses her experience and position as an established author-cum-trainer to speak up about seeking counseling and therapy when needed.
Because of her love for the two cities, Watson splits her time between Portland and New York City.
Click here to visit Renee’s website
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