New Jersey teen Surayyyah “RayRay” Fofana discusses her autobiographical children’s book about diversity and self-love.
By Rachel Sokol
Not many teenagers can say they’ve written and published their own book! Luckily, Surayyah “RayRay” Fofana can—and did! RayRay is a 16-year-old high school student from Hillsborough, NJ. She’s also an activist and dancer with a head full head of curly hair. Her amazing curls helped inspire RayRay Paints a Self-Portrait, a story about a girl with curls and is based on RayRay’s own life experiences coming from a very diverse family. (Her father is from Senegal, her mother is American.) Additionally, the book teaches kids about racial, ethnic and/or religious backgrounds.
RayRay shares her story (both her personal journey AND her book) with American Teen.
What was your childhood like?
My childhood was unique because I grew up with a blend of various cultures. My mom is white and Jewish, and my dad is a Senegalese Muslim. I often alternated between African dishes and Matzoh ball soup! In my household, my parents did a really good job of teaching me to embrace my diverse background. Ultimately, throughout my childhood I felt very loved and supported at home.
Where did the idea for this book come from?
In reflecting back on my childhood, I realized that outside of my household my upbringing was deemed as unconventional and even abnormal. I started to think about what my younger self would’ve most wanted, and I realized it was to see unconventional families like mine represented in a way that was normal--not abnormal. I knew that there were other young kids who felt like “different” because of their identity, so I wrote this book to make space for those who don’t typically fit in society’s box.
What has feedback been like from children about the book?
Every single kid I’ve read to has been beyond supportive. Many elementary school age students have told me that the book taught them to love themselves. This part of storytelling is the most meaningful to me because so many kids opened up to me about their experiences as well. Overall, children have been beyond receptive and have been the most instrumental part of this process.
Is it exciting to be a published author?
I feel extremely grateful to be a published author. It is so surreal to see my book in classrooms and even in my own hands. But I think that being published is not when you are “real author.” It’s important to remember that your voice is always valued in any capacity – whether it be in fine print or in your personal journal.
What kind of dance--and how has movement positively impacted your life?
Movement’s given me the space to express myself. From hip-hop to ballet, I’ve always felt a sense of freedom when in dance class. Much like writing, dance has helped me come to terms with who I am.
What are your future plans? College?
In the future, I hope to continue writing as a passion. But I also hope to pursue a career in law, journalism, or politics.
What advice do you have for kids who feel like RayRay does in the book?
I would tell other “outsiders” that they don’t have to fit society’s box, but instead you can make your own. I’d also remind them that it is more than OK to feel different, and being different is what makes you special.
What's the best "life" advice your parents have given you?
Stay true to who I am. In the face of adversity, it is very easy to suppress who you are. But my parents have always reminded me that knowing who I am is the key to overcoming insurmountable odds. Both of my parents emulate this, and I continue to aspire to this as well.
In November, RayRay Paints a Self-Portrait was featured on KindCotton.com, a company focused on promoting childhood literacy. Kind Cotton allows teachers to request copies of the book for free until supplies last. The book is also sold on Amazon and Barnes & Noble--all proceeds go towards donating additional books to Kind Cotton.