The Equality Now Project aims to amplify and uplift diverse voices. In the spirit of achieving this, we’ve conducted four student interviews with authors from this project.  

In this interview, author and artist Nicholas Henderson, creator of the “Caged Bird” image located on the cover of this project, expressed how his love for art has impacted his life both inside and outside of the classroom. 

Author and Artist Nicholas Henderson posing for a picture.

Artist and Author Nicholas Henderson

You talk about being an artist and a musician in your biography. What led you to those art forms?

I feel like it runs in my blood; it’s genetic. My family is full of artists who draw and make clothes. And I create music every day. My son creates music. For me, it helps me out mentally. It’s just something I enjoy doing.” 

What is the key takeaway you want your audience to get from your piece “Caged Bird”?

Certain people from black culture feel like they’re caged in. The way they were allowed to express themselves wasn’t very free, and I want people to push back against this idea. 

“Caged Bird” by Artist Nicholas Henderson

Can you talk about your experience with going back to get your GED and with Literacy Services of Wisconsin? 

I loved it. It’s one of the biggest accomplishments I had made in a while. It was very helpful, and they helped me move forward in life. I’d recommend it to other people in the same situation as me.

Do you still plan on going to college? Or what do you think is next for your future? 

I’m open to what I wanna do. I’m thinking about being a producer. I’m a hands-on person, and I’m also thinking about business and sales. But I’m really open to anything.

Do you think the Literacy Services of Wisconsin helped you in pursuing those goals?

Cover of the book Equality Now Project

Cover of “Equality Now Project”

I joined the program because I already had that mindset. They pushed me to achieve those goals.

This interview was conducted by Press intern Autumn Johnson, and edited for clarity by Publicity Director Allie Wendricks. 

The Equality Now Project is on sale now (click here to purchase).
For more updates about this book, be sure to head over to its homepage on The Teaching Press Blog, found here.