PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Relationships, trauma, love and community — the art of becoming who we are. That’s the focus of this year’s One Book One Philadelphia selection, written by Philly’s own Tariq Trotter, co-founder of hip-hop group The Roots.
"Whenever I create art, I want you to feel a thing, whatever that emotion is,” said Trotter, also known as Black Thought. “If it's going to lead to discussion, if it's going to lead to, you know, you being inspired to do a thing or create a thing, then its purpose has been served."
Trotter says his memoir “The Upcycled Self” explores his formative years and discusses the relationships and experiences that shaped him. He notes it’s not a story about The Roots or his music career, it's “a story about a young person sort of coming into a point of self-realization as a young adult."
Mayor Cherelle Parker joined the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation and the Free Library of Philadelphia Friday to unveil the book selection.
Kelly Richards, president and director of the Free Library of Philadelphia, says the One Book One Philadelphia program, now in its 23rd year, encourages all Philadelphians to read and discuss shared works of literature together.
"One book also offers numerous opportunities for learning about different cultures, people and perspectives which help us to better understand the world around us and each other."
Parker echoed that sentiment and said hopefully the “The Upcycled Self” will “touch something on the inside [of readers] that lets them know that your voice is valued too.”
To kick off one of the city’s oldest reading initiatives, there will be a series of events, conversations and live performances beginning April 11 at the Parkway Central Library.