John Legend, the celebrated vocalist who swept us off our feet with his 2004 album "Get Lifted" and later became the first black man to achieve an EGOT, has not limited his success to the music world; he has extended his artistic feat into publishing.

Partnering with Emmy and Tony Award-winning producer Mike Jackson and Emmy Award-winner Ty Stiklorius, Legend has launched Get Lifted Books, an imprint housed under the independent publisher Zando. Together, they operate the production company Get Lifted Film Co., which complements their publishing venture.

Elevating Marginalized Voices in Literature

Legend and his partners at Get Lifted expressed their passion for storytelling and books. They saw an opportunity to collaborate with Zando to uplift creators and writers, aligning with their existing film, television, and theater endeavors.

In an interview, Legend emphasized his love for storytelling and the desire to platform individuals who were never given a chance to be heard. Legend stressed presenting stories of talented storytellers, especially those of marginalized groups.

The first book published under the imprint is Liv Little's "Rosewater." The book portrays Black women as protagonists in a love story transcending racial focus and trauma. Little shared that the book reflects her personal experiences and is set in a city where she found love and discovered herself within the queer community.

Legend and Jackson aim to promote such diverse storytelling, particularly from underrepresented voices, using their platform to amplify their narratives. Little expressed her joy in collaborating with Get Lifted, hoping that "Rosewater" resonates with readers by exploring universal themes of family, love, and self-discovery.

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Perseverance and Representation in Environmental Sciences

Another notable release is "Wild Life: Finding My Purpose in an Untamed World" by Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant. Wynn-Grant, a wildlife ecologist, shares her journey of pursuing her passion despite facing numerous challenges. Raised in an urban setting, she lacked role models and mentors in her chosen field. Her memoir delves into her experiences and the hurdles she overcame to establish herself in the field of environmental sciences.

From a young age, Wynn-Grant was drawn to wildlife and dreamed of hosting her own nature program. However, the lack of representation in her field left her disheartened. The memoir shares her 20-year journey in the field, revealing the challenges of being an outsider. It also delves into her personal life, covering relationships, motherhood, and finding balance.

Despite initially thinking her most daring exploits were behind her, Wynn-Grant found herself still immersed in the wilderness, prompting her to share her story. The publication of her book marks a significant achievement, both professionally and as an inspiration to others who share similar experiences. She aims to encourage those facing similar obstacles to pursue their goals with resilience and resolve.

Legend commended Wynn-Grant's perseverance and determination, stressing the importance of representation in the publishing industry. He noted the influence of envisioning possibilities and taking action to realize them, highlighting the profound effect of storytelling and diverse representation.

"Wild Life" exemplifies the ethos of Get Lifted Books, which seeks to foster inclusivity and empowerment through literature. Through their collaboration, Legend, Jackson, and Stiklorius aim to provide a platform for underrepresented voices and amplify diverse narratives.

In anticipation of Earth Day, "Wild Life" is now available at various bookstores.

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