“I think art, especially literature, has the particular power to immers...” — Jesmyn Ward Quote

“I think art, especially literature, has the particular power to immerse the viewer or reader into another world. This is especially powerful in literature, when a reader lives the experience of the characters. So if the characters are human and real enough, then readers will feel empathy for them.”

“I feel like the kind of people I write about are the kind of people I grew up with, the families that I know in my community. Most everyone is working-class, and there are some intact families, but a lot of families aren't.”

“I learned a lot of empathy and openness from my parents. I know so many people who don't have that experience.”

“Empathy, humanity and support for each other is more important than revenue, than growth.”

“'Me Too' is about letting - using the power of empathy to stomp out shame.”